Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
My War Gone By, I Miss It So summary
Anthony Loyd
Brief summary
My War Gone By, I Miss It So by Anthony Loyd is a poignant memoir that delves into the author's experiences as a war correspondent in Bosnia and Chechnya. It offers a raw and vivid portrayal of the brutal reality of war.
Table of Contents
My War Gone By, I Miss It So
Summary of key ideas
Witnessing the Brutality of War
In My War Gone By, I Miss It So by Anthony Loyd, we are taken on a harrowing journey through the Bosnian War. Loyd, a former British soldier, becomes a war correspondent and travels to Bosnia in 1993. He is immediately struck by the brutality of the conflict, the senseless violence, and the deep-rooted hatred between the Serbs, Croats, and Bosnian Muslims.
Loyd's experiences are raw and unfiltered. He describes the war-torn landscape, the constant fear, and the pervasive sense of hopelessness. He witnesses mass graves, ethnic cleansing, and the systematic rape and torture of civilians. Loyd's narrative is unapologetically honest, and he doesn't shy away from sharing his own struggles with PTSD and addiction.
Personal Struggles Amidst the Chaos
As the war rages on, Loyd becomes increasingly desensitized to the violence around him. He admits to feeling a perverse sense of excitement in the midst of danger, a feeling he describes as a 'war high.' This dangerous addiction to war becomes a central theme in the book, as Loyd grapples with his own demons while bearing witness to the horrors of the conflict.
Despite the chaos, Loyd forms deep connections with the people he meets. He befriends soldiers on all sides of the conflict, sharing their stories and gaining a unique perspective on the war. He also falls in love with a local woman, Natasha, whose tragic fate further deepens his sense of loss and disillusionment.
Reflections on the Nature of War
Throughout My War Gone By, I Miss It So, Loyd reflects on the nature of war and its impact on individuals and societies. He questions the morality of armed conflict, the role of the international community, and the human capacity for cruelty. Loyd's experiences force him to confront his own complicity in the violence, as a witness and a participant.
As the war in Bosnia draws to a close, Loyd's personal battles continue. He struggles to reintegrate into civilian life, haunted by the memories of the war. His addiction to danger and adrenaline leads him to seek out other conflict zones, perpetuating a cycle of self-destructive behavior.
A Journey Towards Redemption
Despite the darkness that permeates the narrative, My War Gone By, I Miss It So ends on a note of cautious optimism. Loyd begins to confront his addiction to war, seeking help for his PTSD and substance abuse. He acknowledges the toll the conflict has taken on him and the people of Bosnia, and he starts to work towards healing and redemption.
In conclusion, My War Gone By, I Miss It So is a powerful and deeply personal account of one man's journey through the Bosnian War. Loyd's unflinching honesty and vivid storytelling make for a compelling read, shedding light on the devastating impact of war on individuals and societies. It is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is My War Gone By, I Miss It So about?
My War Gone By, I Miss It So is a gripping memoir by Anthony Loyd that delves into the brutality and madness of war. Drawing from his experiences as a war correspondent during the conflicts in Bosnia and Chechnya, Loyd offers a raw and unflinching account of the devastation and personal turmoil that war brings. It is a thought-provoking reflection on the profound impact of violence and the search for redemption.
My War Gone By, I Miss It So Review
My War Gone By, I Miss It So (1999) is an emotionally gripping memoir that delves into the author's experiences as a war correspondent and his struggles with addiction. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It provides raw, firsthand accounts of war zones, taking readers on a harrowing journey through the realities of conflict.
- The book delves into the author's personal struggles with addiction, offering a stark and honest portrayal of the impact of war on mental health.
- Through powerful storytelling and vivid descriptions, the author sheds light on the complexities of war and its lasting effects, leaving a lasting impact on readers.
Who should read My War Gone By, I Miss It So?
- Military history enthusiasts looking for a personal and raw account of war
- Those interested in the human experience of conflict, including its psychological and emotional impact
- Readers who appreciate introspective and reflective memoirs
Categories with My War Gone By, I Miss It So
Book summaries like My War Gone By, I Miss It So
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
My War Gone By, I Miss It So FAQs
What is the main message of My War Gone By, I Miss It So?
The main message of My War Gone By, I Miss It So explores the author's personal journey through war and addiction, offering a raw and honest portrayal of human experiences.
How long does it take to read My War Gone By, I Miss It So?
The reading time for My War Gone By, I Miss It So varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is My War Gone By, I Miss It So a good book? Is it worth reading?
My War Gone By, I Miss It So is a gripping and thought-provoking book that provides deep insights into the complexities of war and addiction, making it a worthwhile read.
Who is the author of My War Gone By, I Miss It So?
The author of My War Gone By, I Miss It So is Anthony Loyd.
What to read after My War Gone By, I Miss It So?
If you're wondering what to read next after My War Gone By, I Miss It So, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Emergency by Neil Strauss
- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
- Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser
- Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
- The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
- Do No Harm by Henry Marsh