Kilshaw, Susie. Impotent Warriors: Gulf War Syndrome, Vulnerability and Masculinity. New York: Berghahn, 2011. Print.

This book is an investigation into a mysterious illness that has not until recently become known as Gulf War Syndrome, It follows a pattern of illnesses experienced by both UK and US Gulf War veterines and tries to unravel the mystery of the disease. The book hails the Gulf war Syndrome as symbol for a plethora of issues and anxieties surrounding modern war. In June 1993 the UK television programme Newnight featured a story about American soldiers who had fought in the Gulf War, soldiers who were now reporting a plethora of mysterious ailments. Some of the symptoms were blamed on shock and others were blamed on certain chemical agents used during the war. It had all the components of a modern-day tragedy. However shocking and upsetting the thought was that the government could be negligent in giving potentially dangerous vaccines and medications. This caused huge amounts of doubt, concern, and even anger among the veterans that were suffering from this mysterious disease. It was not until 1994 that the disease was given the name Gulf War Syndrome. I believe that the author does an excellent job explaining the history of the disease. The book was heavily research based, meaning that it gathered data from many different sources. I think the author did an excellent job avoiding bias by gathering interviewing both health officials and veterans alike. This book is important to my research for two reasons. The first is that it paints a picture of the damage caused by chemical warfare. It is also important to my research because I plan to use the disorder to shape the personality of one of my characters. My story will follow a reporter who makes contact with a Gulf War veteran suffering from the disease. Much of the veterans purpose in going to the press with his story is having to deal with his debilitating

condition. The veteran who once would do anything to serve his country now resents it, giving him proper motivation to go to the press.