Zinky Boys

A very interesting and oftentimes depressing read. What I love about the book (and Alexievich's other works) is how much of a human face to the individuals that were part of the Soviet-Afghan war. I also really liked that my particular edition (I don't know if others did as well) included letters and conversations for when Alexievich was brought to court because the book was considered libel by some. The outpour of reactions, both positive and negative, was really interesting to read. It shows how much of these stories don't just exist in a vacuum. The people that went to Afghanistan had very different lives before and after Afghanistan, and Boys in Zinc has also had some effect on the lives of these people. Definitely one of my 'favorites' of this year, as far as you could call a book like this a favorite.

I had to return this book to the library half-finished, but I think that was enough stories of mutilation, loss, heartbreak and tears. After a while, the interviews start to resemble each other. A pointless war indeed.