2008 Woodie Awards
Unusual fictional account of Falklands War
Book Review
Timothy Baghurst
Issue date: 4/25/08 Section: Life & Style
The Falklands War might be a portion of history that, for many, remains unheard of or forgotten. In brief, Argentina decided in 1982 to reclaim the Falkland Islands from Britain. While war was never formally declared, Britain responded by sending its fleet to deal with the situation. The result was a very one-sided ?affair, resulting in the obliteration of the Argentine forces.
In "Malvinas Requiem," Argentine author Rodolfo Fogwill recounts the story of 24 dillos. The dillos were conscripted soldiers who did not want to fight in a losing war under inhumane conditions imposed by their superiors. Rather, they decided to hunker down in tunnels and dugouts in the mountains to outlive the war. To avoid starvation, they were also happy to negotiate with the British for essentials.
Although this strategy involved revealing key Argentine positions, this was in, some measure, an act of revenge, as Argentine forces had killed some of the dillos. As the war progressed, circumstances deteriorated and it became a challenge to merely stay alive.
The war is depicted from the perspective of outsiders who failed to see its logic. This is an unusual account of the Falklands War, which will stimulate thinking, especially for those ?who enjoy novels such as "The Moon is Down" by John Steinbeck. ?
In "Malvinas Requiem," Argentine author Rodolfo Fogwill recounts the story of 24 dillos. The dillos were conscripted soldiers who did not want to fight in a losing war under inhumane conditions imposed by their superiors. Rather, they decided to hunker down in tunnels and dugouts in the mountains to outlive the war. To avoid starvation, they were also happy to negotiate with the British for essentials.
Although this strategy involved revealing key Argentine positions, this was in, some measure, an act of revenge, as Argentine forces had killed some of the dillos. As the war progressed, circumstances deteriorated and it became a challenge to merely stay alive.
The war is depicted from the perspective of outsiders who failed to see its logic. This is an unusual account of the Falklands War, which will stimulate thinking, especially for those ?who enjoy novels such as "The Moon is Down" by John Steinbeck. ?
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