I Try Not to Think of Afghanistan

I Try Not to Think of Afghanistan includes photographs and commentaries from Lithuanian veterans of the Soviet war in Afghanistan (1979-1989), addressing the lasting realities of war and its effects on those conscripted to fight. Unflinching first person accounts give details of training, combat, and the often difficult return to society for military conscripts within the Soviet system. Anna Reich gives insight into the experiences of not only the Lithuanian veterans from the Soviet war in Afghanistan, but also veterans from all countries who face similar struggles and challenges.

For three months, Anna Reich interacted with twenty-two veterans in their homes, meeting halls, and throughout their daily routines to produce portraits that provide an intimate and unvarnished portrayal on their lives and the lasting effects of forced military service in the Soviet Army. Often ostracized socially because of their involvement with the Soviet Army, the veterans are referred to as "invisible people." There are no social programs to assist them in their attempts to address PTSD and assimilate into society. Their cause is largely unknown, and the government responsible for their conscriptions no longer exists.

I Try Not to Think of Afghanistan is the culmination of eight years of investigation into the psychological toll of war and trauma. In providing a rarely seen perspective of life after combat, the book intersects with contemporary discourse, specifically, the way the US experience in Afghanistan closely mirrors that of the Soviets and the Russian Federation's forced conscription of young men to fight in Ukraine.