Review on the book War Torn by Andy McNab

This blog post will present a book review on the book War Torn, Written by Andy McNab. I will begin by giving the readers a short introduction to the author, followed by my thoughts on the book and what makes it such an important book for me.

Andy McNab
Andy McNab is a former SAS soldier (Special Air Service, UK's Special Forces) and the author of both fictional and factual books on the subject of warfare. With his experience from the time he served as an SAS Soldier he has been able to describe modern warfare from a whole new perspective and show the world what it actually means to constantly risk your life, thousands of miles from home.

As a result of his many missions in the SAS, with knowledge of a lot of sensitive information that could risk the national security, Andy McNab’s true identity can never be revealed and as such, Andy McNab is only a pseudonym for his real name.

War Torn

War Torn is the story of Sergeant Dave Henley and his platoon as they are fighting against insurgents in the Helmand Province in the southwest part of Afghanistan. It also follows the families at home, fighting their own war on the home front, battling fear of close ones being in a hostile country, fighting an unknown enemy.

The book, although fictional, gives the reader an insight of how it really is for the soldiers and their families at home thanks to McNab’s skillful writing and exhaustive experience in modern warfare. It depicts honest situations on both fronts and the reader can really connect with the characters.

The book War Torn holds a special place in my heart as it was purchased at the time one of my brothers was sent to Afghanistan as a part of Sweden’s engagement in ISAF (International Security Assistance Force). I bought it as I wanted to get an insight to the life of soldiers fighting away from home and despite all the dangers it might bring, to take comfort in knowing that what they do, helps bringing a war torn country back to life and civilization.

The book truly helped me understand the life of the soldiers and the battles they fight, be it a close encounter with insurgents, or the battle of fear from being in this hostile environment.

For those who are or have been in the same situation, with family or friends fighting abroad I can truly recommend this book as well as the sequal "Battle Lines", where the story of Dave Henley and his platoon continues with new endeavors.