Voodoo Lounge

Bauman has done what even Ernest Hemingway didn't: written a novel from a woman's perspective, and a soldier's at that. Ultimately this novel struck me as being about relationships and the responsibilities that accompany them, whether they be between people, societies or countries, and how many enter relationships without considering the responsibility inherent in them. For some, living up to the responsibility becomes next to impossible - while for others, life is duty and duty brings responsibility to yourself at the very least if no one else. It's a hell of a book. Everyone should read it. Then put it down and think about it. There aren't a lot of books out there I'd say that about - and even fewer writers.

Great book. Christian can write, that's for sure. No-nonsense, honest, direct, brutal, compassionate. He tells the story. From the vivid, sensory depiction of the scenes, to the insightful, sensitive and caring portrayal of the characters, Christian puts you there effectively and efficiently. I read with great interest this book from a writer of my generation giving us our contemporary war novels. It is eye-opening reading for insights into the soldier's experience and for the soldier's perspectives on our military. But, it's certainly more than the war stories that engage. It's also character portrayals of my generation which are both contemporary and, I'd guess, timeless. Let's hope Christian keeps providing a voice for years to come. I look forward to his next contribution.