Inhisfourthcollection,C.P.Boykoturnshiskeeneyetothequestionofpower--inschoolsandoncampuses,indoctor’sofficesandboardrooms,intriagetentsandonthebattlefield.Ahigh-schoolmathteachertriestoohardtobeliked;childhoodfriendsgrowupandgotowarforverydifferentreasons;forpurposesnotentirelymedical,adentisthypnotizesapatient;managementandworkersstruggleforcontrolofafalteringfactory;infantriescomprisedexclusivelyofwomenmeetinbattle;andundergraduatesoccupyauniversitypresident’sofffice,rallyingbeneaththeflagofmoraloutrage.Movingeffortlesslythrougharangeofstyles,fromcontemporaryrealistfictionandepisodicadventurestothree-actplaysandpolyvocalnarratives,Boyko’schameleontalentsrevealthethreadthatbindshisdisparatecharactersandplots:thehungertoholdpowerandallthewaysweareconsumedbyit.Clear-eyedbutnotcynical,satiricalwithoutbeingsarcastic,TheChildren’sWarisasentertainingasitisinsightful.
