Thank you NetGalley, Meconopsis Press, and Bauder for providing me with an early copy of this book!

This book has one of the most interesting formats of anything I've ever read. Bauder presents several short stories, each an extremely detailed allegory dealing with various aspects of warfare and the institution of the state, and then follows them with exceptionally informative passages explaining how each of those things take place in real life and have taken place throughout history. This is, in my opinion, an ingenious way of presenting everything.

The allegorical presentation not only creates a much deeper, more empathetic understanding of the overall concepts, it also means that the reader is going into the nonfiction sections with emotional engagement. By doing so, it ensures that the true understanding of the human cost of all of this is at the forefront; it is impossible to read the nonfiction sections with a flat, distant, academic sense of tragedy that so often is a blight to the effectiveness of these sorts of texts.

I would say this is a must read, especially in the current climate.

The allegories are fabulously written. They have well-developed, complex science fiction settings that are remarkably detailed given the limited length. They invoke a sense of empathy and investment in characters that is quite frankly remarkable for such short stories because the characters are deeply human, flaws and contradictions and all. A short story has never made me cry, until Omertà.

The nonfiction sections were engaging and laid out clearly and concisely and their compliment to each of the allegories is clear. I like to think of myself as someone who's fairly educated in the realm of the state/methods of control/conflict/the military complex because I studied a lot of it in school; this was a more powerful read, and a better educator because of that, than any other piece of reading I have ever had on the subject. So much so that I'm considering emailing my professors to suggest they add it to their reading lists.

I really hope to see more releases from Bauder in the future.

I won’t lie—I knew going in that this wouldn’t be my usual kind of read. But despite that, I found myself completely immersed. Bauder’s writing is exceptional, and I actually hated how on edge I felt during certain moments—proof of just how powerful this collection is.

The level of detail and research behind each story is truly impressive, and the experimental formats and varied narratives fit their respective themes perfectly. Beyond that, the way Bauder crafts tension, emotion, and raw honesty into each piece is nothing short of remarkable. It’s a collection that lingers long after the final page, forcing reflection and discomfort in the best possible way. While this book wasn’t necessarily an enjoyable read in the traditional sense, I can’t point to anything I outright disliked.

Overall, My Father’s Name Is War is a thought-provoking and deeply affecting collection that examines the personal and societal consequences of war. It’s an important, well-executed work, and I look forward to reading more from Bauder in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a review copy.

This is a very hard-hitting collection of stories (and one poem), all centered around the military. Make no mistake - these are horror stories, although they frequently veer into sci-fi territory as well. The vignettes between the stories hit me just as hard as the stories. 5 stars

My Father's Name is Forgotten ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
And Hades Followed Him ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Chasing the Dragon ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Omertá ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Non-Combat Related Incident ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Waidmannsdank ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
That It Was Good ⭐⭐⭐.25
Private Passenger ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
My Father's Name is War ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

I did something I don't normally do with ARCs, I read this twice before writing a review. And that, I think was the right choice.

The writing here is so stupidly good and reads as if someone is presenting or talking. That style works so well here and really adds to the gravitas of the topic.

Now a major theme here is who gets to tell stories about war so I'll give you my perspective. I was 11 and living in NJ when the twin towers fell. I had classmates whose parents died; on the planes, in the towers, or as emergency responders. My dad watched the plane hit the second tower and my grandfather had to run from ABC headquarters to his boss's apartment because his car was destroyed. I therefore believed war was not only the right course of action but appropriate as retribution.

I believed that for years until I was at a Goo Goo Dolls concert in long Island and saw Johnny Reznick say fuck George Bush and this hateful war. I thought he was an idiot--our president is beloved, and the war is justified. Then I had friends and classmates serve who told us about the futility of war. About how it wasn't cool or fun like Call of Duty. And how they felt their lives or identities were marred by their actions.

I now, as part of my job, support veterans reentering the workforce after their service. The stories they tell are often not one of valor but one of exclusion and ostracization. Many veterans don't want anyone to know they served because they don't want questions (why yes I have written guidance to employers telling them not to ask if someone killed someone. Because someone ASKED that on a job interview) or don't want to be discriminated against.

I am embarrassed by how long it took me to recognize what we were doing was wrong and how many people were hurt by our actions. I don't know if this book will sway anyone but my God it certainly has something to say. It will grip you close and spit on you. It was spew fire on your ideas.

I can't tell you how much I recommend this book.

I am going to be honest, I judged this book by its cover - that's how I ended up with an eARC (thank you to author, publisher, and netgalley).

I have no regrets in doing so. I am not sure what I expected going in, but this was a heartbreaking, harrowing series of stories (play, poem) dealing with the attitudes and acts surrounding war, patriotism, and the people who are sucked into both. I'm used to breezing through books in a day or two - this is NOT that kind of book. I can't sell it with a few buzzwords and a few relatable character traits, and I think I'd be doing it a disservice to try.

Disclaimer that I am a profoundly stupid woman, but this book was a <i>lot</i>. And I'm very glad to have read it.