Book Review: MedEvac by Andrew Lafleche

Book Details:

Author: Andrew Lafleche
Release Date: December 3, 2024
~~Series~~:
Genre: Poetry
Format: E-book
Pages: 80 pages
Publisher: Yorkshire Publishing
Blurb:
“I wept. These poems, this pain, has been transformed into beautiful tragedy.”
—Gerald Arthur Moore, Flak Jacket
“Born again. How many births must one
Endure? How frequent becomings?”
–MedEvacFrom award-winning author and veteran Andrew Lafleche, MedEvac is a raw and reflective poetry collection. It delves into the harrowing realities of combat in Afghanistan, the anguish of divorce, the loss of a child, and the destructive force of alcoholism. With brutal honesty and unflinching introspection, Lafleche captures the weight of grief and the search for meaning, both in life and in faith. In MedEvac, poetry becomes a vehicle for self-examination and spiritual reflection, making it a powerful read for those familiar with trauma.

Review

Andrew Lafleche’s MedEvac is an intense and deeply moving poetry collection that leaves a lasting impression. Drawing from personal experiences of combat, loss, and personal struggles, Lafleche takes readers on a harrowing yet profoundly reflective journey. His poetry doesn’t just recount experiences; it immerses you in the raw emotions of those moments, from the chaos of war to the quiet despair of personal loss, offering both pain and glimpses of hope.

One of the strengths of this collection is its brutal honesty. Lafleche doesn’t shy away from the darker corners of his life—whether it’s the toll of combat or the pain of losing a child—and that vulnerability makes his poetry incredibly powerful. His words resonate deeply, encapsulating the cyclical nature of trauma and healing. His ability to weave raw emotion into structured verse is remarkable, creating a collection that is both cathartic and thought-provoking.

The themes in MedEvac—grief, redemption, and self-examination—are universally relatable, even for those who haven’t experienced the extremes of war or personal tragedy. Lafleche’s exploration of faith and its role in navigating pain adds a layer of introspection that lingers long after reading. There’s a spiritual undercurrent that feels neither preachy nor forced, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

While the collection is undeniably moving, some poems feel more personal than universal, which may make it harder for all readers to fully connect with every piece. That said, Lafleche’s authenticity shines through in every line, and his words have a way of drawing you in, even when the subject matter is heavy.

Overall, MedEvac is a poignant and beautifully written collection that offers a glimpse into the struggles and resilience of the human spirit. Lafleche’s unflinching introspection and masterful use of language make this a must-read for anyone looking for poetry that challenges and heals in equal measure. Four stars for an unforgettable and hauntingly raw work.