I Lost My Love In Baghdad: A Modern War Story (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
“I Lost My Love in Baghdad” is a straightforward title for a book about a war correspondent whose girlfriend was killed by Sunni extremist during the Iraqi war.I love wartime stories so I bought the book on a whim and finished it months ago.I do not know which subject fascinated me more – the reckless, action packed war or the gently evolving love story embedded in the author's layered descriptions of daily fighting and survival.Reading the book, you are intrigued to learn more about the war, then you slowly become captivated and curious about this young adventurous couple, their budding relationship and struggles. But you don’t want the story to end. Because you know, it will end badly.This is a story about a journalist trying to write about love and the consequences of war... And in January 2007, just mere months after Andi followed Michael in Baghdad, she and her convoy of 3 bodyguards were ambushed by Sunni extremists on the way to a meeting.I almost believed that Michael’s life had a happy ending.He married. Won awards. Went back to the States to write hard hitting stories and controversial articles.Articles so fact driven that it caused the end of a general’s career.Then at 33, he was killed in a car crash.And many are left to think if it was indeed an accident. Michael's recent stories feature government secrets and the NSA.What happened to Michael and to Andi brought to mind one of my favorite quotes on love and losing it:At some point of your life, you will become aware that some people can stay in your heart but not in your life. ― AnonymousMichael was a better man because of what he experienced with Andi.But my world is a lot lonelier now that he is lost.Such a young life cut short. And with it, the possibilities of truth and of more fascinating stories.Rest in peace, Michael Hastings. I feel a little sheepish saying this, because the backbone of the story is really tragic. That said, I found this book disappointing. The author lost his girlfriend in Baghdad, and the whole story is supposed to be about their relationship and her death against the backdrop of the war, and yet...I never felt remotely connected to her or their story. Their relationship, as he wrote it, was dominated by insecurity, manipulative threats to leave each other, hang-up phone arguments, petty jealousy, mistrust, and pressure for proposals; I never gained any insight into what made her special (which surely she was). I recognize that they were both very young, and maybe that youth is what made the romance so....immature seeming... but it was hard to feel strongly about this story, and I really expected to.
What do You think about I Lost My Love In Baghdad: A Modern War Story (2008)?
Anyone who still believes we should send our troops to Iraq should read this book.
—WhitleyJane1
an extremely heart breaking book. be prepared to cry for the last 20%.
—oge_taco
Great book but sad for obvious and not so obvious reasons.
—Jess1117
A compelling insight into the destructive nature of war.
—asterias2000
