A real eye-opener

Even after an extensive education in classical literature, I had a great number of preconceived opinions about the behavior of Achilles in The Iliad. Dr. Shay's book not only pulverized my narrow-minded judgements, but opened a whole new world of understanding for me as to the kind of living hell the veterans of the Viet Nam war (and surely, those wars of the last ten years) suffered, and are still suffering. Finally, it helped me to understand things about my own father (also a Viet Nam veteran) that he himself simply had no way of explaining, even to himself, let alone his family. Rarely have I come across a scholarly work so powerfully written and relevant to the issues of today. Dr. Shay has authored a remarkable book! Thank you, Dr. Shay.

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Warfare deconstructed

Regardless of how many countries we invade or the number of casualties involved, we never learn our lesson from war. Jonathan Shay's book offers a first hand account of the Vietnam war. His work with a veteran's self-help project provided invaluable insight and information about the social, moral and psychological effects of combat training and warfare.

If you haven't read The Iliad, please read it before you buy this book. Knowing the story only intensifies the experience of reading this book. War has a very human side that often gets overlooked in the political posturing and swagger. Even if you haven't read the Iliad, you'll find this book captivating. Shay offers some stunning but graphic first hand accounts of Vietnam as well as some interesting theories about why we were involved in the first place. There's plenty here to keep conspiracy theorists busy.

Overall, this is definitely worth reading. Given our current involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is timely read as well.

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Moving but somewhat onesided viewpoint

I have been a fan of Homer since Jr. High and felt the use of ancient literature to explain recent events is a fantastic idea. I believe that human nature has been relatively unchanged for the last 100,000 years and history has much to teach us.

Although Mr. Shay has great insight into PTSD because of his work with VA patients, that work has given him a very onsided viewpoint. He states on page 194 that: "I have been politicized by this work and now see the treatment must be morally engaged - that trauma work can never be apolitical" Perhaps that statement belongs in the opening paragraph?

This book does an excellent job of explaining why Achilles behaved as he did at Troy, but it does not explain why 1,000's of other warriors at Troy (and millions of modern soldiers) do NOT behave like Achilles.

Worthwhile reading for anyone who wishes to understand the psychological injury that some may experience due to traumatic experiences.

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