The Soldier by Alexandra Fuller

             The story begins as the reader is introduced to Benjamin K. by the author and speaker, Alexandra Fuller. K's experiences while fighting in the Rhodesian Light Infantry in the African Wars are explored in depth. We first meet Benjamin K. as he meets Ms. Fuller on her parent's fish and banana farm in Zimbabwe. He is described by the local people as a "mad bastard" who was "one of the most effective hunters in the Rhodesian army". Though the author has her reservations about about this main character, her first impression is of a strong fierce warrior. As the two speak, they quickly discovere shared qualities. When the subject of the war is brought up, K seems to be as talkative about this subject as he was about anything else. He begins to tell her just the basics. It wasn't until their second meeting that K. spoke openly about his experiences and feelings during the war; which were not dead but "buried, in fact, just beneath his skin." This is a very interesting point within the story because it talks about how K. thinks he feels something, some sort of parasite underneath his skin. After many trials and tribulations to heal this matter, he discovers that it is stress from the war and years of fighting. It is interesting because the feeling that he has is just what he carries with him: like a scar forever with him from his experiences in the wars. .
             To the dismay of his father, K. joined the R.L.I (Rhodesian Light Infantry) when he was eighteen years of age. His father fought in the early wars but was unsuccessful due to his lack of training. K. was said to be born and bred to be a soldier. His greatest gift was the ability to understand the land. "He was white but African, and his upbringing had given him the greatest weapon a white man could have in an-a profound understanding of the bush and a profound disdain for black people." .
             To try and further describe his experiences of the war to Ms. Fuller, he took her on a trip to meet one of his good friends from the army, Roger Conner.