Turner VS Benedict

With Brian Turner the writing is a cautionary tale of the consequences of war through an impersonal story. Brian Turner, in Here Bullet, takes the reader into the truth and trauma of the Iraqi war in language that is precise, delicate and beautiful, even as it tells of suicide bombers and other tragic circumstances. These impersonal tales of the war are often third person in and describe the scenery more than someone’s reaction to the environment. However in Sand Queen by Helen Benedict, Benedict is nearly factually telling the story of her involvement in the Iraq war. This story gives a personal narration of what, how and when she experienced certain events during her time of service. This first person narration gives critical insight into women’s struggles when serving in the military. Throughout part one of the story Ms. Benedict’s clear intention is to turn stereotypes upside down, make readers squirm, and yet still keep them reading. Ms. Benedict pulls off this audacious gambit because she is an exceptional writer and storyteller. Benedicts gritty depiction of a soldier’s life in the Iraq desert is particularly well done in Sand Queen as it depicts the shock and awe attack of 2003, after soldier Kate Brady meets Naema Jassim at a huge U.S. prison in Iraq. Naema, whose English and medical background appeals to Kate Brady, comes daily in search of men detained by the Americans. Something about Naema, and they form an awkward relationship based in need. Wanting to do something good, Kate investigates the fate of Naema's family. Both women struggle with the war, the death of innocents, abuses from male soldiers and atrocities witnessed. The psychological deterioration from an attempted rape and the official and unofficial backlash that follows leads to her breakdown and hospitalization. Naema's stoicism in the face of hopelessness makes sense, and contrasts well with Kate's struggle to stay strong, which gives a dimensionality to the characters in Sand Queen. The essential distinction between Brian Turner and Helen Benedicts portrayals of the contemporary war is the perspective the reader is given. Helen Benedicts Sand Queen in particular takes advantage of the first person narration of her experiences, allowing an emotional connection to be made with the characters. However Brian Turners Here Bullet utilizes poems to allow the reader to critical analyze soldiers’ specific experience during the war.