What must it be like? This is a question I’ve asked myself many times when I think of the soldiers in the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). I’ve never been in a war or have even been a soldier. I read books about war and books about soldiers. However, until this book, no book I’ve read has touched upon the soul of the “situation” in Israel in which there is an ever-present war that is “not quite” a war.

IDF troops serve reserve duty yearly even after they finish their mandatory tour of duty following high school. Their duties as soldiers are so different from their joyous and carefree lives as civilians. This book takes a look at that darker side of their lives. It’s a side, even with all my trips to Israel, I haven’t entered before.

Nathan Falk, the narrator of this story, is an American member of the IDF. He is assigned to various operations along the perimeter of Israel and across the “Green Line” (pre-1967 Israel borders) in order to prevent terrorists from gaining entrance into Israel proper and to avenge deaths already caused to Israeli civilians by terrorists. There is a disclaimer at the front of this book emphasizing that this is a work of fiction. However, the events that happen just jump off of the pages and make them seem all too real. Along with human suffering are two events of animal suffering which had me squirming with unease.

Not quite a novel because of its divisions and subdivisions and not quite a book of short stories because there is a common thread throughout all of the chapters, I’m not sure how to classify this book. Never mind this, though, as the detailed and precise writing of this talented author flows well. Subsequent to reading this story, I’ve learned that the author is also a poet and was impressed by his poetry as well.

This is not an easy read, but the author is amazing at how he brings his main character to life. I highly recommend this book for its look at the personal life of one IDF soldier as he tries to faithfully serve his adopted country. ( )