Flashes of War by Katey Schultz (Apprentice House, May 2013) is a collection of short stories that goes beyond the boundaries of a typical short story collection. With thirty-one stories that have been the result of three years of research and interviews, Schultz delves into the American wars in Iraq and Afghanistan from diverse and often marginalized perspectives.
Calling Flashes of War a collection of short stories is an understatement, just as calling Pink Floyd's The Wall "a bunch of songs" doesn't fully capture its essence. Like shards of glass in the aftermath of an explosion, each story in Schultz's collection is a fragment that hints at the truth of a larger occurrence. The author's poignant and nuanced storytelling leaves no doubt that her extensive research has paid off.
One of the standout stories in this collection is "Home on Leave," which delves into the subtleties of military service and masculinity. The tale follows a young man who struggles to reconcile his role as a mechanic, staying within the safety of the base, with the expectations of being a true soldier. This attention to detail showcases Schultz's dedication to authenticity.
Another notable story is the brief but impactful "Permanent Wave." Centered around a wounded war hero and a professional baseball pitcher, this story encapsulates the dilemma faced by wounded combat veterans who are simultaneously revered by society yet deprived of a part of their body.
While the majority of the stories in Flashes of War focus on American characters, Schultz brings a similar level of acuity to her nine stories that center around Afghan and Iraqi characters. "Aaseya and Rahim" stands out as a story about an Afghan couple navigating the challenges of life during the American occupation. Despite their prearranged marriage, they defy traditional roles and truly love each other. Schultz's ability to immerse readers in the lives of her characters creates an empathetic connection, even with morally ambiguous characters like Rahim.
One aspect of Schultz's writing that can sometimes be jarring is the shift in narrative voice when she adopts a first-person perspective. These moments, while well-written, veer too close to the author's own voice and break the authenticity of character narration. However, Schultz's hyper-realist approach, blending her own authorial renderings with the characters' perspectives, creates a visceral reading experience.
Flashes of War leaves readers pondering the big questions about war—specifically, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan—and war in general. Schultz avoids proselytizing, preferring to present the evidence and allow readers to draw their own conclusions. By doing so, she adheres to the belief that real war stories have no moral, as famously stated by Vietnam veteran and acclaimed author Tim O'Brien.
In conclusion, Flashes of War is a powerful collection of stories that provides a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the American wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Through her meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Katey Schultz brings to light the often unheard voices affected by these conflicts. The collection forces readers to confront the complex realities of war, leaving a lasting impact.
Brett Sholtis, a recipient of the 2013 Taube Award in Fiction, served in the Army as an infantry soldier in Kosovo and an automations specialist in California. With a diverse career that includes work in motorcycle safety and environmental research, Sholtis brings his firsthand experience and keen insights to his reviews.
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