Insider Threat - Mogadishu Diaries 1992-1993
The poet T.
S.
Eliot wrote: "The awful daring of a moment's surrender...
By this, and this only, we have existed.
" According to author Eddie Clay III, one does not necessarily need an entire moment of 'awful daring' to fully exist; even 'thirty seconds of insane courage' is enough to transform one's life.
In Clay's novel, Insider Threat, his lead character learns that brave action is the key to overcoming difficult circumstances and finding one's true voice.
The first novel in the series, Bloodlines, revolved around the external action occurring during Operation Restore Hope.
The sequel, on the other hand, deals ostensibly with the internal politics of the Marine Corps (related to the conflict in Mogadishu).
Through the eyes of Sergeant Thompson, we see how friendships within the Marine Corps--particularly among the 'higher-ups,' or the officers--often lead to preferential treatment for some and prejudicial treatment for others.
Yet despite certain official roadblocks placed in his path, Sergeant Thompson manages to demonstrate his mental and martial abilities.
As a result, he makes certain alliances that further his career, maneuvering his way into the elite organization of counter-intelligence.
In the midst of this internal struggle for survival within the military, Thompson develops a romantic relationship with the beautiful Mogadishu interpreter, Ayan.
Distracted by his feelings for this exotic woman, the sergeant makes a few negligent blunders--and a couple more questionable decisions--which threaten his career.
Sergeant Thompson's mental clarity, and the plot of the story, is further complicated by the knowledge that there is an insider threat on the base.
Thompson is even forced to face the possibility that his main military ally and mentor on the marine base could actually be a spy.
While his career, a valuable friendship, and his romantic hopes are being dashed by outside forces (and due to bad decisions on his part), the sergeant must reach deep within himself to access a reserve of courage that is not dependent on circumstances.
If he fails to do so, all he worked for will literally 'fly out the window'--along with his reputation as a man and a marine.
As in the first work, the author's prose is clear and precise.
In addition, he does an excellent job of creating an empathetic, and very human, protagonist; highlighting Sergeant Thompson's thoughts, fears, and aspirations (as well as his strengths and weaknesses) through unexpected situations and realistic dialogue.
Although lacking a strong storyline, and reading more like a memoir than a work of fiction, Insider Threat: Mogadishu Diaries 1992-1993 is an important historical novel that reveals (in great detail) the interworking of the military.
I look forward to the next installment of the series.
S.
Eliot wrote: "The awful daring of a moment's surrender...
By this, and this only, we have existed.
" According to author Eddie Clay III, one does not necessarily need an entire moment of 'awful daring' to fully exist; even 'thirty seconds of insane courage' is enough to transform one's life.
In Clay's novel, Insider Threat, his lead character learns that brave action is the key to overcoming difficult circumstances and finding one's true voice.
The first novel in the series, Bloodlines, revolved around the external action occurring during Operation Restore Hope.
The sequel, on the other hand, deals ostensibly with the internal politics of the Marine Corps (related to the conflict in Mogadishu).
Through the eyes of Sergeant Thompson, we see how friendships within the Marine Corps--particularly among the 'higher-ups,' or the officers--often lead to preferential treatment for some and prejudicial treatment for others.
Yet despite certain official roadblocks placed in his path, Sergeant Thompson manages to demonstrate his mental and martial abilities.
As a result, he makes certain alliances that further his career, maneuvering his way into the elite organization of counter-intelligence.
In the midst of this internal struggle for survival within the military, Thompson develops a romantic relationship with the beautiful Mogadishu interpreter, Ayan.
Distracted by his feelings for this exotic woman, the sergeant makes a few negligent blunders--and a couple more questionable decisions--which threaten his career.
Sergeant Thompson's mental clarity, and the plot of the story, is further complicated by the knowledge that there is an insider threat on the base.
Thompson is even forced to face the possibility that his main military ally and mentor on the marine base could actually be a spy.
While his career, a valuable friendship, and his romantic hopes are being dashed by outside forces (and due to bad decisions on his part), the sergeant must reach deep within himself to access a reserve of courage that is not dependent on circumstances.
If he fails to do so, all he worked for will literally 'fly out the window'--along with his reputation as a man and a marine.
As in the first work, the author's prose is clear and precise.
In addition, he does an excellent job of creating an empathetic, and very human, protagonist; highlighting Sergeant Thompson's thoughts, fears, and aspirations (as well as his strengths and weaknesses) through unexpected situations and realistic dialogue.
Although lacking a strong storyline, and reading more like a memoir than a work of fiction, Insider Threat: Mogadishu Diaries 1992-1993 is an important historical novel that reveals (in great detail) the interworking of the military.
I look forward to the next installment of the series.
