The Afghan Campaign
The Afghan Campaign is a
Many pages of the book are dedicated to Alexander's army's fight against the
Plot
Young Matthias from Macedonia follows his two older brothers’ example and enrolls in Alexander's cavalry together with his close friend Lygaios/Lucas (Λυγαίος in Greek).[2] This special convoy departs from Tripoli, Lebanon and after 125 days of marching meets the rear of Alexander's army. The hero takes part into his first battle and is shocked by the atrocities of his adversaries and his own people as well. Noteworthy is the fact that the enemy, apart from its guerilla methods, recruits women and children to fight for their freedom.
While marching, Matthias meets Shinar, an Afghan woman who, having abandoned her own people, offers her services as carrier of the Greek army's supplies. Nanguali is the barbarian warrior's code; its three elements are: honour, revenge and hospitality. Their women's honour, if blackened, could be redeemed (turn back into white) only by death. Matthias stands up to Baz, Shinar's brother, but fails to reach a compromise and is deceived by Baz, who in the end kills his sister and her baby.
At the end of the story, Matthias is left with nothing – he has lost his family, friends, health and hope. Instead of returning home (his wife and son having been killed) as initially planned and having nothing to lose, he decides to follow the Greek army in its way to India.
Reception
The novel was well received by critics who found it a "vivid, compelling tale about the challenges of the war",[3] and that through the characters we learn something about human nature.[4]
References
- ^ "www.goodreads.com: The Afghan Campaign: A novel (9780385516419): Steven Pressfield: Books". www.goodreads.com. Retrieved 2020-08-13.
- ^ The Afghan Campaign by Steven Pressfield - Hardcover - Random House, www.randomhouse.com, accessed 1 September 2009
- ^ "The Claremont Institute - Alexander in Afghanistan". www.claremont.org. Archived from the original on 2009-10-11. Retrieved 2009-09-01.
- ^ "Review of The Afghan Campaign, by Chet Richards". www.d-n-i.net. Archived from the original on 2009-11-29. Retrieved 2009-09-01.
Further reading
- Lubin, Andrew (September 9, 2010). "Book Review: "The Afghan Campaign"". Regarding War Blog. PBS. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
- Dietrich, William (August 11, 2006). ""The Afghan Campaign": Greek war story echoes today's battles". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
External links
- Steven Pressfield's official website Archived 2009-04-27 at the Wayback Machine