Bring Out the Dog
Book Review: Bring Out the Dog by Will Mackin
Bring Out the Dog is a remarkable collection of short stories by Will Mackin, a former U.S. Navy officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Published in 2018 by the Random House Publishing Group, the book offers a gripping and poignant look into the lives of soldiers at war. Mackin's writing is both visceral and poetic, capturing the chaos, fear, and camaraderie of combat with stunning clarity.
The book, set in Iraq and Afghanistan, is a powerful exploration of the human psyche in the face of war. Mackin's prose is sparse yet evocative, painting vivid pictures of the harsh realities of combat. The stories in Bring Out the Dog delve deep into the minds of soldiers as they grapple with the complexities of war, duty, and morality.
One of the standout features of this collection is Mackin's ability to convey the surreal and disorienting nature of war. In "Kattekoppen," a soldier hallucinates a strange encounter with a group of children in a war-torn village, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination. This story, like many others in the book, showcases Mackin's talent for blending the mundane and the surreal in a way that is both mesmerizing and thought-provoking.
Mackin's writing is imbued with a deep sense of empathy for his characters, many of whom grapple with the moral ambiguities of war. In "Crossing the River No Name," a soldier reflects on the futility of violence and the human cost of conflict. Through his characters, Mackin explores themes of loss, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of war on those who fight in it.
One of the most striking aspects of Bring Out the Dog is Mackin's use of language. His prose is both lyrical and gritty, capturing the harsh beauty of the war-torn landscapes in which his stories are set. Mackin's attention to detail is meticulous, whether he is describing the crack of gunfire or the delicate intricacies of a soldier's inner thoughts.
As a former Navy officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Mackin writes from a place of deep knowledge and experience. His stories are informed by his own time in the military, giving them an authenticity and emotional resonance that is truly compelling. Mackin's writing is infused with a sense of honesty and integrity that sets Bring Out the Dog apart as a work of exceptional power and insight.
About the Author:
Will Mackin is a writer and former U.S. Navy officer. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he conducted special operations as a detachment commander. Mackin's experiences in the military have deeply influenced his writing, and his work often explores the human cost of war with compassion and nuance.
Conclusion:
Bring Out the Dog is a stunning collection of short stories that offers a raw and unflinching look at the realities of war. Will Mackin's writing is powerful and evocative, capturing the chaos and complexity of combat with striking clarity. Through his vivid prose and empathetic portrayals of soldiers, Mackin invites readers to confront the profound moral questions that arise in times of conflict. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in war literature and the human experience in the face of adversity.
