Foto Mague Alcaraz
Book Review: Lies of an indispensable nation
Por Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite
Everyone is familiar with America’s war on terror which began after the September 11 attacks on the twin towers. What led to those attacks in the first place and was the war on terror successful? Through a series of essays and poems, Lies of an Indispensable Nation: Poems About the American Invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan by Lilvia Soto delves into these very questions, showcasing the devastating ramifications of America’s invasion of two Middle Eastern countries. Penned over the first decade of the war on terror, Soto’s poems reveal the tragic dehumanization of a set of people by the leaders of America to justify the invasion, occupation, and bombardment of Iraq and Afghanistan, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocents, profiting only private contractors, senators, and the military-industrial complex. The full scope of the tragedy is on display here, demonstrating how America’s war on terror added to the entropy in the world.
Lies of an Indispensable Nation is a timely reminder of how often people in positions of power are apt to abuse and take advantage of their privilege, having no hesitation in dehumanizing others for their selfish ends. Lilvia Soto’s poems and essays accurately portray how America acted as a bully in the name of bringing «freedom» to other nations, only to unleash devastation and rob them of their natural resources. Soto’s non-rhythmic and experimental style verses strike a chord in your heart, and you can’t help but question whether war is ever worth the cost in human lives? This book was an illuminating read that I highly recommend.
Lilvia, Soto: Lies of an Indispensable Nation, Poems About the American Invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. Atmosphere Press, Estados Unidos, 2022.