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Quote by Ben Fountain

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Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk

In this thought-provoking novel, the author portrays the life of a young soldier, Billy Lynn, who returns to the United States after serving in Iraq. The story focuses on his brief stay in Dallas during a football game, where he is celebrated as a hero. The narrative examines the soldier's struggle to reintegrate into civilian life and the disconnect between the reality of war and the public's perception of it. more

Author

Ben Fountain
Ben Fountain

Ben Fountain is an American fiction writer known for his distinctive narrative style and profound insights into American Southern culture. His works often focus on the complex relationships between individuals and society, history, and reality, particularly in depicting the impact of war and conflict on individuals. more

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“Outside, you don't hear a single bird, and a deathly, oppressive silence hangs over the house and clings to me as if it were going to drag me into the deepest regions of the underworld.... I wander from room to room, climb up and down the stairs and feel like a songbird whose wings have been ripped off and who keeps hurling itself against the bars of its dark cage.”

“I long to ride a bike, dance, whistle, look at the world, feel young and know that I'm free, and yet I can't let it show. Just imagine what would happen if all eight of us were to feel sorry for ourselves or walk around with the discontent clearly visible on our faces. Where would that get us?”

“I have often been downcast, but never in despair; I regard our hiding as a dangerous adventure, romantic and interesting at the same time. In my diary I treat all the privations as amusing. I have made up my mind now to lead a different life from other girls and, later on, different from ordinary housewives. My start has been so very full of interest, and that is the sole reason why I have to laugh at the humorous side of the most dangerous moments.”