The Long Walk
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2012
240
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Iraq • 2000s
2012
Adult
18+ years
The Long Walk: A Story of War and the Life that Follows is a memoir by U.S. war veteran Brian Castner, chronicling his time leading an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team in Iraq and the psychological turmoil he faced transitioning back to civilian life. He recounts the brutal experiences of war, his battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and the discovery of an undiagnosed traumatic brain injury. The book discusses themes of trauma, anxiety, and the ongoing impact of war on veterans' mental health. The memoir includes vivid descriptions of war and its aftermath, and sensitive readers may find certain passages distressing due to graphic depictions of violence and trauma.
Dark
Unnerving
Gritty
Melancholic
2,327 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Brian Castner's The Long Walk is widely acclaimed for its raw, honest portrayal of war's psychological toll, particularly its depiction of PTSD. Critics praise Castner's vivid, gripping prose but note the narrative's intense emotional weight can be challenging to process. Overall, the book is lauded for its powerful and insightful contributions to war literature.
Readers who enjoyed The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien or Jarhead by Anthony Swofford would be captivated by The Long Walk by Brian Castner. This memoir appeals to those interested in intense, firsthand accounts of military service, exploring themes of war, trauma, and the psychological impact on soldiers returning home.
2,327 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
240
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Iraq • 2000s
2012
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!