Three Short Tales on War Kori Schake Wants You to Read

Veteran authors provide a vital perspective on war, translating the costs and conduct of conflict for a society largely disconnected from its military. J.D. Salinger's "For Esmé—with Love and Squalor" reveals a soldier's psychological breakdown after World War II and his eventual salvation through an unexpected act of human grace. Similarly, Phil Klay's "Psychological Operations" explores a modern veteran's struggle to connect with civilians, highlighting the yearning for genuine understanding over pity. These tales powerfully illustrate how soldiers navigate the interior strain of combat and the profound search for human connection after returning home.