"The Junior Officers' Reading Club" by Patrick Hennessey chronicles the author's journey from university graduate to Sandhurst training to tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hennessey's writing style is described as extremely readable, entertaining, and insightful, often with humor. delves into the experiences of soldiers in action, highlighting their desire for combat and the psychological impact of warfare on individuals. Hennessey's honest and compelling narrative takes readers through the highs and lows of military life, providing a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced by junior officers on the front line.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by raw energy and emotional depth, blending humor with a poignant recounting of military experiences.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative chronicles a young officer's military experiences, emphasizing camaraderie and the psychological toll of war, particularly the adjustments needed after returning to civilian life.

Setting:

The setting shifts between military training bases and combat zones, providing a vivid contrast to civilian life and the internal struggles of soldiers.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, beginning slowly to build context and quickly intensifying during combat, though it may lose focus towards the end.

Four wizened Pashtu Gandalfs sit impassively sipping chai around a dining table in the middle of a rose garden, and my first thirsty thought is not the obvious WHAT are we going to do? nor the reasona...

Genres:

nonfiction

memoir

military history

Topics:

military training

combat experience

friendship and camaraderie

psychological impact of war

adjusting to civilian life

coming of age

brotherhood among soldiers

war story

Notes:

Patrick Hennessey started a junior officer reading club to find camaraderie among his peers.

The book shares insights into the friendships soldiers form during training and combat.

Hennessey reflects on the harsh realities faced by soldiers, especially after witnessing death in battle.

The transition from military life to civilian life is portrayed as incredibly difficult and alienating.

Hennessey describes the desire for action felt by soldiers, contrasting it with civilian perspectives.

He humorously addresses the absurdities of military life, combining dark humor with poignant observations.

The writing style has been described as energetic yet at times incomprehensible due to military jargon.

The book highlights the emotional struggles of soldiers, including the impact of growing distance from friends after combat experiences.

Hennessey aims to bridge the gap in understanding between those who have served and civilians.

Despite criticisms of its editing, the book is praised for its vivid and honest recounting of war experiences.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The content warnings include graphic descriptions of war, death, injury, and discussions about psychological trauma affecting veterans.

From The Publisher:

Watch a Video

2009

•

333 pages

Reader Stats (1):

Want To Read (1)

What can you read after
The Junior Officers' Reading Club?

Generation Kill: Devil Dogs, Iceman, Captain America and The New Face of American War
Evan Wright
firsthand account of iraq war
experiences of front line marines

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

The Junior Officers' Reading Club

Patrick Hennessey

About: