Quotes about War from “Lair of the Monster” by Shon Mehta

Author’s Note: While researching my novel Lair of the Monster, I interviewed decorated veterans from various international armed forces. What struck me most was the profound anti-war sentiment shared by those who have seen the front lines firsthand. These quotes reflect the harsh reality of their experiences.

The glory of war is for kings and queens, warlords and leaders. For commoners, war is harsh, glum, and menacing.

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War is not a fairy tale where someone is good, someone is bad, someone is hero, or someone is villain. In a war, everyone is working to serve their own interest.

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War is a smell -- a smell of filth, a smell of sweat, a smell of flesh, a smell of blood, a smell of death; war is a stench that never goes away.

A visceral reflection on the lasting sensory impact of war by Shon Mehta.

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In war stories, nobody gets to play the part they want, and no war story ever has a happy ending.

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The outcome of war is never good or better, it is only bad or worse, you can only choose between the bad and worse.

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“When it happens against us, it is a war crime. When it happens against our enemy, it is collateral damage.”

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— Shon Mehta, Lair of The Monster

Shon Mehta is an author and philosopher known for creating the Jivavarta Universe, a fictional setting used to explore sociopolitical themes, human resilience, and moral philosophy. Her work has transitioned from contemporary fiction to foundational academic material used in several countries. Rough Hewn is her series of reflective essays, where she explores the personal memories and philosophies behind her writing.