What It Is Like to Go to War (2011) by Karl Marlantes is a philosophical exploration of the emotional and psychological toll of warfare on soldiers. Drawing from his own experience as a Vietnam War veteran, Marlantes examines the unpreparedness of soldiers for the mental strain of combat and the lack of societal reintegration post-war. He critiques the military’s dehumanizing approach to preparing soldiers, urging instead for rituals, spiritual practices, and narrative-building to help them process the trauma of war. The book also highlights the necessity of societal accountability for the wars fought on its behalf. Marlantes combines personal insight with historical and literary references to propose a more humane, conscious approach to military service.
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