West from the Fallen Wall
From debut author Ryan Lucas Henderson comes West from the Fallen Wall, a collection of short stories set in Europe, just before coronavirus and the Russian invasion of Ukraine—just before the post-Cold War era changed forever.
“And when my generation grows old and passes away, the memories of Pax Americana in Europe will pass away too. But at least there will be this book.”
— Ben Braddock, author of the book’s introduction
One almost never plans to ram a car through a makeshift barricade at a military training area, but Croatian First Lieutenant Kovač hadn’t expected to find himself between a U.S. Army live-fire exercise and a sleepy, Croatian village, either. Neither had a young, American paratrooper imagined he’d join an eccentric band of retired, Italian mountain soldiers on a hidden trail through the southern Alps. Nor, of course, was explosives expert Colonel Anderson prepared to team up with a group of archaeologists for an excavation in Normandy, much less prepared for what they'd find.
Nor did most Americans expect their country to station soldiers in Europe decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union. When vets return home from Europe, their countrymen, some surprised, some sneering, some earnest, some thumping their chests, often ask, “What’s the U.S. military doing in Europe, anyway?” There are as many answers to that question as there are soldiers and civilians. Here are nine stories. They’re fiction, and they’re a start.
Page count: 271
Publication Day: June 25th, 2024
From debut author Ryan Lucas Henderson comes West from the Fallen Wall, a collection of short stories set in Europe, just before coronavirus and the Russian invasion of Ukraine—just before the post-Cold War era changed forever.
“And when my generation grows old and passes away, the memories of Pax Americana in Europe will pass away too. But at least there will be this book.”
— Ben Braddock, author of the book’s introduction
One almost never plans to ram a car through a makeshift barricade at a military training area, but Croatian First Lieutenant Kovač hadn’t expected to find himself between a U.S. Army live-fire exercise and a sleepy, Croatian village, either. Neither had a young, American paratrooper imagined he’d join an eccentric band of retired, Italian mountain soldiers on a hidden trail through the southern Alps. Nor, of course, was explosives expert Colonel Anderson prepared to team up with a group of archaeologists for an excavation in Normandy, much less prepared for what they'd find.
Nor did most Americans expect their country to station soldiers in Europe decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union. When vets return home from Europe, their countrymen, some surprised, some sneering, some earnest, some thumping their chests, often ask, “What’s the U.S. military doing in Europe, anyway?” There are as many answers to that question as there are soldiers and civilians. Here are nine stories. They’re fiction, and they’re a start.
Page count: 271
Publication Day: June 25th, 2024
From debut author Ryan Lucas Henderson comes West from the Fallen Wall, a collection of short stories set in Europe, just before coronavirus and the Russian invasion of Ukraine—just before the post-Cold War era changed forever.
“And when my generation grows old and passes away, the memories of Pax Americana in Europe will pass away too. But at least there will be this book.”
— Ben Braddock, author of the book’s introduction
One almost never plans to ram a car through a makeshift barricade at a military training area, but Croatian First Lieutenant Kovač hadn’t expected to find himself between a U.S. Army live-fire exercise and a sleepy, Croatian village, either. Neither had a young, American paratrooper imagined he’d join an eccentric band of retired, Italian mountain soldiers on a hidden trail through the southern Alps. Nor, of course, was explosives expert Colonel Anderson prepared to team up with a group of archaeologists for an excavation in Normandy, much less prepared for what they'd find.
Nor did most Americans expect their country to station soldiers in Europe decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union. When vets return home from Europe, their countrymen, some surprised, some sneering, some earnest, some thumping their chests, often ask, “What’s the U.S. military doing in Europe, anyway?” There are as many answers to that question as there are soldiers and civilians. Here are nine stories. They’re fiction, and they’re a start.
Page count: 271
Publication Day: June 25th, 2024
Advanced Praise:
“An important book, giving voice to a part of the American experience that few of our citizens ever think about.”
— Wendell Affield, author of Muddy Jungle Rivers
"This collection is unlike the usual military fiction. Through a masterful setting of scenes, and a great mix of colloquial, military and civilian language, Henderson draws meaningful attention to some of the lesser known facets of the relative peace in Europe administered by the USA after the Cold War."
— Adam James Pollock, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
"This poignant and beautifully written collection of short stories offers a welcome break from contemporary war porn. Henderson has taken something as large in scope as the U.S. presence in Europe and made it intimate. This thing feels real."
— Samuel Finlay, author of Breakfast with the Dirt Cult
“Henderson combines a photojournalist's instinct for human drama with a trained academic's focus on nuance and precision to deliver a compelling debut that simultaneously informs and captivates. The book that I will be recommending to anyone looking to gain not just information, but true insight into the human impact of the complex and often conflicting realities of post-Cold War Europe.”
— Jonathan Liedl, senior editor at National Catholic Register
“A well-researched and well-written series of accounts of life as an American service member in Europe. Henderson highlights the highs and sometimes tragic lows soldiers can find themselves in while living and working alongside their allies.”
— Joshua Skovlund, staff writer at Task & Purpose
"West From the Fallen Wall skillfully weaves a tapestry of narratives that not only illuminates the geopolitical landscape but also humanizes the individuals behind the uniform, making this book an engaging and thought-provoking read, especially given today's Europe and the challenges it faces."
— Martin Egnash, former Marine reporter for Stars and Stripes
“Henderson’s debut novel lives up to his reputation as a photographer. A must-read for young soldiers, veterans, and anyone else disillusioned with America’s foreign policy.”
— Mark Granza, founding editor of IM-1776
About the Author:
Ryan Lucas Henderson is a photojournalist, writer, and veteran of the U.S. Army. He’s worked in ten countries, and his photos have been featured by nearly two dozen outlets. He credits the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s public affairs office for his good fortune in meeting and marrying the prettiest girl in Vicenza, Italy. He currently lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he’s completing a PhD in archaeology.
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