From Publishers Weekly
When the Abu Ghraib prison scandal came to light, it rocked the international community. To some, it represented their greatest fears about American imperialism and corruption. To others, it was the deepest perversion of American idealism and honor. Either way, action had to be taken by the United States Government, and it had to be determined, just, and fast. Author Graveline was a prosecutor on the cases. Co-author Clemens was a special investigator. Together they come to the sensationalized material with a dispassionate focus on facts and the investigative process, a refreshing change from the journalistic tendency to hyperbole. However, that same objectivity makes the material often dry, and the lack of a clear narrative makes it hard to keep track of all the fact-finding, interminable motions, and blurred amalgam of trials for a series of similar defendants. While it becomes difficult to remember all the players, readers benefit from Graveline and Clemens' well-documented recollections. This story was long overdue, but readers should be advised that this is more C-SPAN than COPS. Readers expecting editorializing or a compelling narrative will be disappointed. But patient readers who want to dig through transcripts will be appreciative of the authors' dedication to objectivity.
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Review
"The Secrets of Abu Ghraib Revealed" is an engrossing and sensitive narrative that goes from jailhouse to courthouse as if Grisham and Turow had shared plot tips with authors Graveline and Clemens.
--J. Ford Huffman, Military Times
"The authors present the facts with such detail and objectivity that readers can come to their own conclusions about the questions of cause, blame and responsibility.
In addition to using impeccable scholarship, the book explores the human dimensions of the tragedy and presents the reader with a fascinating and dramatic description of the people and scenes involved.
The heat, dust and danger of Baghdad, as well as the drama of the courtroom, are alive in its pages to keep the reader as engrossed as any good summer beach-read. Beyond the enjoyment of the read, the book presents a study of the rule of law and the rules of war, for generals and taxpayers, Presidents and policymakers, about the complexities of investing young American lives in trouble spots around the world. Its drama and message will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers.
Although the authors refrain from imposing their personal opinions, the work provides important lessons for future statesmen on subjects such as interrogation policy, training and supervision of young soldiers, and the need for clear guidelines.
The Secrets of Abu Ghraib deserves to be in that library of non-fiction war books which are passed on to the next generation. It is compelling, insightful, and as entertaining as it is edifying." --Ross Parker, Ticklethewire.com