How many years does it take for a war to end? Marking the 50th anniversary of the divisive Vietnam era, this NEW EDITION of the award-winning Collateral Damage brings together stories from the perspectives of those who fought, those who resisted, and the family and friends caught in the crossfire between them.
The new edition, published in August 2019, includes an updated introduction reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the war and questions for discussion that can be used by schools, book clubs, and other groups.
Collateral Damage
by Alice K. Boatwright
Standing Stone Books (2012), Paperback, 214 pages
This collection of 3 short stories investigates the effects of the Vietnam War on those who fought, as well as their families, civilians who lived through it and those who chose not to answer the call by the government, for whatever reasons. Like The Crazy Iris and other Stories of the Atomic Aftermath, edited by the great Japanese writer Kenzaburo Oe, containing stories of the effects of the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima in WWII, Collateral Damage by Alice K. Boatwright crafts fictional stories that are more than likely all too real for many people who experienced that tumultuous period of history in one way or another.
Once started, it was hard to put down- each story is written with acute understanding and empathy, as Boatwright connects the three stories across different time periods and cultures. I imagine that these tales will also resonate with those who were affected by the recent Iraqi/Afghan wars as well; the principles are the same no matter which conflict is written about. Subjects investigated include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Conscientious Objector Status, and families dealing with the death or injury of their loved ones.
I highly recommend this book to any who would like to understand the toll that military conflict takes on fighting men and women, as well as their families dealing with the results. This is an opportunity for readers to gain an understanding of the psychological wounds incurred by war.
Syracuse -- Syracuse independent publisher Robert Colley and author Alice K. Boatwright, a Fayetteville-Manlius High School graduate, are winners. Boatwright's book, "Collateral Damage" will receive an IPPY Award Wednesday in New York City. Colley's Standing Stone Bookspublished the book.
Boatwright will collect a bronze medal for literary fiction for "Collateral Damage," her first book. The publisher describes the book as three novellas that "explore the long-term effects of the Vietnam War not only on those who fought, but also on those who didn't _ and the slow process of achieving peace between them."
The Independent Book Publishers association has handed out its IPPY Award since 1996 to recognize the excellent works of independent authors and publishers. For the 2013 award, 2,500 independent authors and publishers participated in the contest.
Boatwright attended Syracuse University and completed a master's of fine arts in writing at Columbia University. Since 2004, she has lived in the United States and Paris. She is the daughter of the late Howard and Helen Boatwright, of Fayetteville. Howard Boatwright was a violinist, composer and Syracuse University professor and Helen Boatwright was a celebrated soprano.
