Fifteen Days: Stories of Bravery, Friendship, Life and Death from Inside the New Canadian Army

by Christie Blatchford

Long before she made her first trip to Afghanistan as an embedded reporter for The Globe and Mail, Christie Blatchford was already one of Canada’s most respected and eagerly read journalists. Her vivid prose, her unmistakable voice, her ability to connect emotionally with her subjects and readers, her hard-won and hard-nosed skills as a reporter–these had already established her as a household name. But with her many reports from Afghanistan, and in dozens of interviews with the returned members of the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and others back at home, she found the subject she was born to tackle. Her reporting of the conflict and her deeply empathetic observations of the men and women who wear the maple leaf are words for the ages, fit to stand alongside the nation’s best writing on war.It is a testament to Christie Blatchford’s skills and integrity that along with the admiration of her readers, she won the respect and trust of the soldiers. They share breathtakingly honest accounts of their desire to serve, their willingness to confront fear and danger in the battlefield, their loyalty towards each other and the heartbreak occasioned by the loss of one of their own. Grounded in insights gained over the course of three trips to Afghanistan in 2006, and drawing on hundreds of hours of interviews not only with the servicemen and -women with whom she shared so much, but with their commanders and family members as well, Christie Blatchford creates a detailed, complex and deeply affecting picture of military life in the twenty-first century.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, War, Military Fiction, Canada, Memoir, Military History

389 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2007

Reviews

[John Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been overseas at the same time as Christie Blatchford's first and longest sojourn to Kandahar and knowing so many of the soldiers referenced in this narrative I found the book to be very personal. It has proven a read that I love deeply and at times cannot bear to revisit. I love Christie's courage to take her pen and her high intelligence into any corner. Over the course of this dangerous summer I came got to know this fabulous Canadina and this has become one of my enduring gifts from the war. July 22 2006, one of the fifteen days described in this book on the Afghan War describes one of my own unit's convoys and the aftermath of a double suicide attack on the column. Thank you Christie for your talent and for writing this account. Love you always. #amongwalkingwounded

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW. This book gave me a glimpse into the Canadian military and what they are doing in Afghanistan. It's not an easy read as it's full of military terms and death, but I thought it was extremely well done. Journalist Christie Blatchford does an excellent job. She is able to step aside and let her subjects talk and doesn't hide the fact that she has respect for the military and the men who serve in it.

My brother joined the military two years ago, and my pacifist parents and I have struggled to understand this decision and his new way of life. I had a little more understanding after finishing this book.

Going to write one of my columns about this...

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Any journalist would be "lucky" to spend time with the Canadian army on tour. I can only imagine what you would see and hear and perceive about these modern Canadian heroes. My brother was stationed in Afghanistan (although before this book was written) so I have an idea of the stories. Still, I think any journalist worth his/her salt would have come out with stories like these. The stories are incredible, no doubt about it. What could set a book like this apart is the way it's written - language, emotion etc. I think it could have been better.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always liked reading Christie Blatchford. She injects the personal without being cloying and her point of view is often unexpected buyt always ineresting and well considerred. Her approach to the war is non judgmental but not her aproach to hte troops and their families. The book opens a fascinating window on our military operation in Afghanistan. Highly recommended.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book . as a mother of a canadian soldier,who just happens to be mentioned in the book.it gave me an insight to what these young men and women experienced day to day. It made me cry, laugh and think and then cry again but worth every minute.

[Thomas J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading Christie Blatchford. She likes to "tell it like it is" (at least the way she sees that it is) rather than telling "it" like the politically correct would like "it" to be told. That's not really an issue with this book - just the reason I like her writing.

The book jumps around a lot, but she states clearly in the Foreword or Intro or whatever it was called at the beginning of the book that she had a great deal of trouble getting started on the writing and then just decided to describe different days.

Homage to the Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan; a great deal of respect for the soldiers themselves and their commanding officers. Somewhat less so for Major General David Fraser, although that impression is kind of a between the lines thing.

She never discusses the futility of the war in Afghanistan (which we all knew 20 years ago). The soldiers are dedicated to the mission, as they should be. When you join an army you go where they send you and do what they tell you. It's unfortunate that the politicians that make the decisions aren't put on the front lines.

I found it interesting how many times our multi-million dollar Light Armored Vehicles and other transports broke down and had to be towed back to bases. And both interesting and tragic that a number of the deaths and injuries were due to either accidents or "friendly fire".

A very worthwhile read. T

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a tough book to read. I had attempted to read it many years ago when it first came out but never quite finished it. In light of what is going on in Afghanistan today I felt it was time to re-read it.

Christie Blatchford made 3 trips to Afghanistan in 2006 and came back with hundreds of hours of interviews and experiences. She struggled with how to put it on all down on paper, then decided to choose 15 specific days and write about them and the soldier(s) who were killed. While there was a lot of military jargon and ranks that were hard to keep track of, she personalized each soldier's story with love and respect. Each life lost was a tragedy. I was able to participate in the Highway of Heroes repatriation two times and show my respect for them and their families.

A must read.

pg 199 - Rob Costall's ramp ceremony: The casket was carried into the belly of the waiting Hercules C-130. A piper played the lament. A padre said a prayer, then came the goodbye: "Task Force Afghanistan, to your fallen comrade salute!" It was moving, dignified, lovely; it was also unspeakably sad. This part I wrote about for my newspaper. I didn't mention the command that immediately followed the salute: "Carry on!" I didn't write that the ceremony was over too bloody fast and seemed not nearly enough. I didn't know what to make of it, so I didn't know how to write about it. I had cried throughout but at the end all I felt was empty. I was beginning to understand how it is that soldiers are so pragmatic, why they are so constrained in their grieving: If they weren't, they couldn't possibly carry on, and carrying on is what they must do.

[Adam Volk · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** Incredible story. Terrible writing. ***


I’m giving this book a 4-star rating because I think it’s an important story that many Canadians may not otherwise be aware of. It’s definitely worth reading about and celebrating the courage, self-sacrifice and dedication of CF troops fighting in post 9/11 Afghanistan. The author should also be commended for putting herself in harm’s way to bring this important story forward.

That being said, the book itself is so poorly written, that there were countless times I considered putting it down in frustration. If not for the subject matter, this would easily be a 2-star book. The narrative is disjointed and clumsy, and as a work of boots-on-the-ground journalism it’s extremely lacking in the fundamentals you’ll find in other works of war reporting.

The author’s attempt to shoehorn herself into the narrative is also jarring and further muddies the already confusing prose (which is replete with far too many overlapping names, acronyms and historical background). It’s easily one of the most sloppy works of non-fiction I’ve ever read.

That being said, if you’re willing to plow through the weak writing and clunky narrative structure, there’s an incredible story underneath that speaks to the true heroism of Canada’s modern day military men and women.

[Rick B.H. Ghost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christie takes you on the battlefield, and shows the readers the honorable warriors of Canada. A short life history is given on each lost soldier and their families and how they were remembered by their units. Units from across Canada from every province, the Pats, Seaforth Highlanders as well as the Calgary Highlanders are my family units. Being born in Calgary, when the page came up to honor of Capt. Nicholas Kathleen Sarah Goddard came up it I recall that day in 2006 when Calgary fell silent and honored this brave FOO. A great read you will read every word and feel the grief of their loss.

[Bryn Michaels · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Christie Blatchford. She is a great advocate for the Canadian Armed Forces and speaks her mind at every opportunity to defend those who serve . Each vignette was interesting and engaging as she assimilated within the companies of troops with whom she shared her time. You'll see those who question the accuracy of some of the events, "It didn't happen like that" etc. but put in perspective she was telling the story in as positive a light as she can given the circumstances. These are our soldiers who put their bodies on the line for our nation and she has told their stories.

[dot_jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave a 5 star rating despite being unable to finish the book. Now the question is: why didn’t I finish the book? Because i found it too heartbreaking to get through it. There have been & will be debates about why Canada became involved in Afghanistan. But to read about the ultimate sacrifice these CF members gave in service juxtaposed with having watched the gruesome footage of Afghans falling from airplanes desperately trying to escape the Taliban when the Western governments withdrew, the murder of those left behind, women & girls having their what little rights removed ended up being too heavy for my soul

[Larry Amstutz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories were so heart wrenching and personal, I would find myself having to stop and compose myself before reading on. Through her incredible writing, Christie brought first hand reporting from the field and also the follow up at home with Canadians who served on the front lines in Afghanistan in 2006 and their families to my living room.

Many Canadians at the time had little awareness that Canada was actively engaged in combat in Afghanistan, thinking we were there in a more advisory role. This book clearly and emphatically reminds us of the painful truth.

[Mark Edlund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nonfiction - a moving account of her time embedded with the Canadian Army in Afghanistan. You can tell she loves her soldiers and they seem to respect her. Joy, sadness and regret as she recounts her contacts with the men and women of our armed forces.
Too many Canadian references to mention.
Pharmacy reference - a military wife has her first shift at a local pharmacy and then finds out her husband has died.

[Clifford Isenor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping look into the Canadian military.

Reading it the feeling that I came away with is the best way to support the troops is to not send them to war unless absolutely necessary. Military action must be the absolute last resort. But if we do send our men and women into harm's way we better give them everything they need to get the job done. when they come home our veteran's affairs better be damn good

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. The only reason I gave it a four star because I wish there was a tree of command with whose who on it because it starts to get confusing. The stories alone were very emotional and the way they were told was so well done. The organization of the book was also excellent and was one of the best parts. It's just such a well written book.

[Joshua Wafler-Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.52 Stars. To be entirely upfront, I didn't finish the book. Mind you, it was not due to lack of interest or that the book was poorly written, actually it was the complete opposite. Blatchford really highlighted the human element of war and gave the soldiers personalities and families – these characteristics are often forgotten when society becomes desensitized after years of seeing/reading about the topic. I did not finish the book as I struggle with violence and death and mentally, I couldn't handle it. I have strong personal opinions on the war in Afghanistan and Canada's involvement, this did taint my feelings about the book but I kept my rating separate from this and it is a reflection of the genuinely flawless writing by the author.

[Leslie Giebelhaus]

Stories of bravery, friendship, life and death from inside the new Canadian Army. Wow. The stories around 15 days in 2006 critical to the Canadian army in Afghanistan. Blatchford was imbedded and won the respect of the soldiers she was 'outside' with and honored the families of the dead and returning soldiers. I couldn't put it down.

[Marni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written account of Canadian Forces personnel in Afghanistan by the reporter who made four trips in an 18-month period and then followed up with some those who survived when they returned to Canada. Once again, I can't begin to imagine what it is like to be under fire in a foreign land.

[Linda Galway · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Very detailed at times

[Trudy Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stories of our Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. Rather dry but brings home the uncertainty our soldiers face in a modern war. Purchased as a gift.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tough but necessary read for all Canadians.

[Jerralyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many moments in this book made me misty eyed. Humanity shows itself in such beautiful ways even in the darkest, scariest places.

[Wendy Paquette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took a long while for me to finish this one. It’s not a hard read just emotional

[Chris Almeida]

Fantastic and emotional account of fifteen days in the lives of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. Very recommended.

[Gill Delplace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for Canadians.

[Michael Koch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty good book that I would wish more Canadians would read. Blatchford goes to Afghanistan with our troops, goes on operations with them and reports what she sees. She is able to bring her usual precise and pointed pen to what she sees in order to bring back the good, the bad and the ugly. This is the good and the bad of this book.

In my opinion, Blatchford brings her usual writing style. She focuses on individual and small team activities and brings expertise and pathos to these stories. The Canadian army is performing with skill and professionalism in both fighting the Taliban and helping Afghani civilians. What we are doing, we are doing well. Unfortunately, she brings little overview as to whether we are doing the right things or are there other things we should be doing. Are there more productive things we could be doing for the Afghans in general, or to reduce any anti west bias.

I was disappointed that having the space available in a book, that she does not have in her usual column, that the author chose not to expand into more than merely what happened. She has on more and more, covered why and what should happen. I was disappointed that she did not do more of that in this book.
Three stars; more if you are interested in only what our army did and less about the politics and why they did it, or what other choices were available.

[Nick Davin-isb · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is about the experiences of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. The author tells stories of many different soldiers, combining them to make one overall story of her experience. It follows Canadian soldiers from the start of their deployment at the main base, all the way into deep Taliban territory. The author discusses the deaths of many soldiers; showing how she and others reacted and coped with them. She talks about different events, from holding public clinics for Afghani citizens in small rural villages, to dangerous and hectic firefights against the fierce Taliban. I was a little confused by not using chronological order, because you would learn half-way through the book about the first Canadian soldier killed in combat, but had just read abut many Canadian combat deaths in previous chapters. I enjoyed how the author brought emotion by showing the way the soldiers would cope with certain conditions into the book about the soldiers, not just retelling stories. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the military or current events in the Middle East, looking for a true view, from the ground.

[Tanya Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a very hard time reading this book, not because it was terrible, but because of the content. It opened my eyes to what our soldiers went through and are going through.

The way the author wrote it, the chapters are not arranged chronologically which made it very confusing for me; one chapter a soldier dies and the next, he's alive. I also found that she uses a lot of acronyms and although there is a glossery, I felt she didn't really need to write it this way; it's almost like she didn't consider who her audience was. I also felt that she included a lot of details that wasn't meaningful for the story; I do understand that she was writing it from interviews given to her by these soldiers, I almost felt like she had to include everything which to me to me wasn't needed.

I am glad I finished it; it did take me a while to, but, like I said, it wasn't because it was a terrible book, just difficult to read because of what these soldiers went through. I can't imagine walking a day in their shoes. Makes me very proud to wear my Poppy right now.

[Jen]

What a joke. I put this book down several times because it pissed me off so much. I can't assign a rating because I think the subjects deserve more than this unfair and misleading account.

My major gripes are as follows
1. If your going to label the chapters by dates, the dates should be in chronological order

2. I hope the family of some of the soldiers' whose deaths are depicted haven't and never read this steaming turd of a book. While some are treated with respect, many are just used as a platform for personal politics.

3. So many things are factually wrong. I don't know if its "creative license" by the author, or she was just told whatever, but don't read this and think it's a complete account.

4. I hate that she makes some of the brave men (and woman) out to be victims who didn't want to be there. They were brave soldiers, who died in combat, friendly fire or not, who are heroes - not victims.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up because I've only ever read fiction related to Canadians in World War One and World War Two. I am really glad I did - Blatchford does a great job weaving layers of soldiers' experiences and personalities, the stories of their families, and combat and military details. I think because of my previous emphasis of reading about WWI and WWII, I found the parts that mention the links between the soldiers from then and now to be really interesting. I will definitely be adding more non-fiction like this to my reading list. I have to say, Blatchford's author's note was fantastic. Her struggle with not making the book about her and how to tell these stories was insightful and really set the tone for how I read them, and how I now keep thinking over certain details, the bigger picture, and the importance of having a record like this.