Can Joyce Carol Oates Write a War Novel?

Haunted

The prolific novelist Joyce Carol Oates has just published a novel about the Iraq War and a veteran’s suspicion in a crime. Former Marine Elliot Ackerman wonders if she has what it takes.

Published Jan. 30 2014 1:00PM EST

articles/2014/01/30/can-joyce-carol-oates-write-a-war-novel/140130-ackerman-oates_n4ikt1 — Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP/Getty

War novels. Yeah, those books: The Things They Carried, The Hunters, Catch-22. We all know the type, sad books about happy-young men turning into sad-young men, or sad-young-old men, or sad-crazy-young-old men.

Elliot Ackerman

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.

Can Joyce Carol Oates Write a War Novel?

The prolific novelist Joyce Carol Oates has just published a novel about the Iraq War and a veteran’s suspicion in a crime. Former Marine Elliot Ackerman wonders if she has what it takes.

This won't last long. One year of fearless reporting for only $35 $25.

Don't miss this subscriber exclusive article.

Monthly Plan

$1 Trial

Yearly Plan

$35 $25 Year One

Ad Free Plan

$100 per year

Elliot Ackerman