Harry Parker – Anatomy of a Soldier

Event sponsored by Duncan Morris

Harry Parker’s first novel, Anatomy Of A Soldier, is based on his experiences in Afghanistan during which he stepped on an IED (improvised explosive device) and eventually lost both legs. The novel uses an unusual stylistic device – it is narrated through the voices of 45 objects including a bicycle, a drone and the very saw that amputates his 2nd leg.Harry Parker – Anatomy of a Soldier cover

Why does Harry deploy this technique? Perhaps it is an extension of the old stiff upper lip i.e. that which prevents one getting too close or emotional. Or maybe it reflects the dehumanising nature of war whereby soldiers effectively become mere statistics and where there’s little definition between people and objects.

Time also lurches backwards and forwards throughout the book because, according to the author, that’s what it’s like when you’ve been blown up.

This highly accomplished debut has been endorsed by the likes of Edna O’Brien, Alan Bennett and Hilary Mantel. It is published by Faber