A Line in the Sand: Canadians at War in Kandahar - Hardcover

Wiss, Ray

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1553655923 ISBN 13: 9781553655923

Publisher: Douglas & McIntyre, 2011

Synopsis

In 2007 08, Dr. Ray Wiss, a former infantry officer, served with the Canadian Forces at forward operating bases in Khandahar's Panjwayi valley, the area experiencing the most intense combat in Afghanistan. He spent more time in the combat area than any other Canadian physician, and his successful first book, FOB Doc, was the diary of his time outside the wire” during that tour of duty.

Captain Wiss' experience in Afghanistan convinced him that this conflict was a rare example of a moral war. When asked to return for an even longer tour of duty in the combat zone, he readily agreed. Once again, he kept a diary, writing with passion about the efforts, sacrifices and achievements of those Canadians who served with such distinction. Illustrated with over 100 colour photographs, A Line in the Sand tells us about virtually every kind of soldier fighting in Afghanistan: the bomb technician, the engineer, the combat medic, the grunt” as well as about the Afghans, from whom we are seemingly so different yet with whom we share so much. It is an impassioned insider’s view of the war in Afghanistan and a convincing testament to why it matters.

About this title

About the Author:

Captain Ray Wiss is an emergency medicine specialist from Sudbury, Ontario, and a member of the Canadian Forces Reserves. From November 2007 to February 2008, and again from May to September 2009, he served with Task Force Afghanistan. Very unusually for a physician, he spent both tours in the combat area, at forward operating bases (FOBs) in Kandahar province.

Review:

"Wiss doesn't hold back his admiration for his fellow military personnel...[and] his unwavering support of Canada's Afghan mission and his constant praise and glowing descriptions of his fellow soldiers will be welcomed by those in the military as well as their families." (Ottawa Citizen)

"For interested Canadians, there is now a wealth of diverse first-hand accounts of the war in Afghanistan...Readers who enjoy the frisson of such recollections, or admirers of FOB Doc looking for more of the authorï??s candid, casual style, will enjoy A Line in the Sand." (Quill & Quire)

"Thanks to Ray Wiss, we have the chance to understand what Canadian troops experience on Afghanistanï??s front lines, and why what theyï??re doing is worth it. Canadians should be very proud of our men and women in uniform, and of the extraordinary job that they are doing." (The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada)

"With A Line in the Sand, Ray Wiss has given us a moving and personal account of his second tour of duty as a doctor with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan...This is a book for anyone who cares about the human face of mankindï??s oldest activity. Highly recommended reading!" (Bruce Cockburn, OC, Singer/Songwriter)

"""This is a gripping, heartbreaking and inspiring book. Itï??s about ordinary Afghans and ordinary Canadian soldiers whose humbling, everyday bravery will take your breath away . . . The Afghanistan in the pages of this book is the one that matters.""" (Terry Glavin)

"A doctor with an infantry background, Captain Ray Wiss gives us a unique insight into the lives and sacrifices of Canadian soldiers 'outside the wire' in Afghanistan. Read on and be proud to be Canadian." (Lewis Mackenzie, CM, OOnt, MSC and Bar, CD)

About this edition

• Publisher: Douglas & McIntyre
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1553655923
• ISBN 13: 9781553655923
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 424