Title: Fobbit
Author: David Abrams
First published January 1, 2012
384 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780802120328 (ISBN10: 0802120326)
Rating: 3.48
Overview
Fobbit by David Abrams is a satirical novel that takes us to the heart of the Iraq war. It introduces us to the Forward Operating Base Triumph, where soldiers eat, sleep, and work like in an office.
As the chaos of the battlefield rages on, FOB offers a humorous insight into the daily lives of soldiers. From finding an empty porta potty to playing Xbox or watching NASCAR, soldiers try to make their lives as normal as possible.
Abrams, based on his own experiences in Iraq, offers a behind-the-scenes portrait of the war that is both darkly humorous and captivating. Fobbit is a fantastic debut that will leave readers in splits while providing an authentic glimpse into the real Iraq war.
About the Author
Meet David Abrams, an accomplished author with two novels under his belt: Brave Deeds and Fobbit. The latter was recognized as a New York Times Notable Book, an Indie Next pick, a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection, a Montana Honor Book, and a finalist for the L.A. Times’ Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction.
His short stories have graced the pages of Esquire, Glimmer Train, Narrative, Salamander, Connecticut Review, The Greensboro Review, The Missouri Review, The North Dakota Review, and many other publications. Prior to pursuing a career in writing, Abrams served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, stationed in various locations around the world, including Alaska, Texas, Georgia, the Pentagon, and Iraq.
You can read his musings on writing and life on his blog, The Quivering Pen.
Editoral Review
David Abrams’ debut novel Fobbit takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the absurdities and complexities of the Iraq War. Published in 2012, the book has since become a classic of contemporary war fiction, praised for its sharp satire, vivid characters, and poignant themes.
Set in the sprawling Forward Operating Base (FOB) Triumph, south of Baghdad, Fobbit traces the lives of a disparate group of soldiers, contractors, and civilians as they navigate the harsh realities of war. The novel’s title refers to the derogatory term for soldiers who avoid combat by staying in the relative safety of the FOB, but as the plot unfolds, each character faces their own brand of danger and courage.
Abrams writes with a keen eye for detail and a sharp sense of humor, capturing the idiosyncrasies and absurdities of military life with an unflinching honesty. His prose is crisp, witty, and often darkly comic, and his characters are as fully fleshed out as any in contemporary literature.
The heart of Fobbit lies in its characters, each of whom brings their own unique perspective to the war. There’s Staff Sergeant Chance Gooding Jr., a cynical PR expert who spins the war effort for the media; Captain Abe Shrinkle, a hapless supply officer desperate for a promotion; Specialist Toby Parker, a naive but well-meaning soldier who becomes disillusioned with the war; and Lieutenant Colonel Duret, a hard-charging commander whose idealism masks a deeper, more personal pain.
As the plot builds toward a climactic event, Abrams expertly weaves together the different strands of his narrative, building tension and emotional depth with each page. The result is a powerful meditation on war, sacrifice, and the human cost of conflict.
Fobbit is not without its flaws. At times, the satire can feel heavy-handed, and some of the minor characters feel underdeveloped.
The novel is also graphic in its depiction of violence and war, and may not be suitable for all readers. Nonetheless, Fobbit is a remarkable achievement, a novel that manages to be both deeply human and scathingly satirical at the same time.
It is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary war fiction or the complexities of modern warfare. In an era of endless conflict and political polarization, Abrams’ insight has never felt more relevant or necessary.
Fobbit is a timely reminder of the human toll of war, and a powerful tribute to the men and women who serve their country in times of crisis. It is a book that will haunt readers long after the final pages.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
