A review by ddejong
Redeployment by Phil Klay

5.0

This is an odd 5-star review for me in that there is virtually no one I know that I would feel comfortable recommending this book to, but I thought it was outstanding. If books had ratings, this one would undoubtedly be rated R. I went into the book expecting that it would be raw and real and uncensored, and it was. Lots of language, lots of super crass conversation, offensive sex-related talk, etc. All of that said, I found these stories very, very thought-provoking and they gave me a better context for understanding some of the really tough things my veteran friends and acquaintances likely experienced to varying degrees during their tours or after them. Favorite stories included After Action Report, Money as a Weapons System, Unless it's a Sucking Chest Wound, and Ten Kliks South. Phil Klay really is a fantastically talented writer. He was so deliberate with the way he shaped these stories... the small details he drew your attention to... the bitter irony he was able to capture... the genuine and un-dramatic way he was able to capture the emotional and mental effects of the war and what many men saw and/or did. I'm glad I read the book.