A War, a Love Story and a Tragedy

 “I Lost My Love in Baghdad” is a straightforward title for a book about a war correspondent whose girlfriend was killed by Sunni extremist during the Iraqi war.

I love wartime stories so I bought the book on a whim and finished it months ago.

I do not know which subject fascinated me more – the reckless, action packed war or the gently evolving love story embedded in the author's layered descriptions of daily fighting and survival.

Reading the book, you are intrigued to learn more about the war, then you slowly become captivated and curious about this young adventurous couple, their budding relationship and struggles. 

But you don’t want the story to end.  Because you know, it will end badly.

This is a story about a journalist trying to write about love and the consequences of war...

And in January 2007, just mere months after Andi followed Michael in Baghdad, she and her convoy of 3 bodyguards were ambushed by Sunni extremists on the way to a meeting.

I almost believed that Michael’s life had a happy ending.

He married. Won awards.  Went back to the States to write hard hitting stories and controversial articles.

Articles so fact driven that it caused the end of a general’s career.

Then at 33, he was killed in a car crash.

 

And many are left to think if it was indeed an accident. Michael's recent stories feature government secrets and the NSA. See an article here.

What happened to Michael and to Andi brought to mind one of my favorite quotes on love and losing it:

At some point of your life, you will become aware that some people can stay in your heart but not in your life. ― Anonymous

Michael was a better man because of what he experienced with Andi.

But my world is a lot lonelier now that he is lost.

Such a young life cut short.  And with it, the possibilities of truth and of more fascinating stories.

Rest in peace, Michael Hastings.