A Soldier’s Burden centers around a Georgian peacekeeper in Afghanistan who forms an unexpected bond with a woman with her own history of violence. Where did the idea for this novel come from? 

The idea for the novel arose from a desire to explore the invisible scars that peacekeepers carry with them. Living in a country like Georgia, which has seen its share of conflicts, I wanted to create a story that would transcend the borders of the battlefield and show us how profoundly difficult it is to return to oneself after the experience of war. I wanted to move beyond the battlefield and into the quiet, often painful struggle of returning to normal life.

​What interested you about exploring John’s inner conflict?

John represents the quiet soldier—the one who is disciplined on the outside but crumbling on the inside. I was drawn to the contrast between his outward duty and his internal chaos. I wanted to explore how resilience can sometimes feel like a burden. As John would say: ‘Be so free that love may never be restricted for you. Freedom is to be in God’s right, which shakes off everything superfluous from you and leaves you with true love.’ This captures the essence of his journey toward finding his true self amidst the remnants of war.

​How did you balance romance with the realities of war and trauma?

I believe trauma creates a unique kind of vulnerability. John and Sharon aren’t looking for a fairytale; they are looking for recognition. Their romance isn’t about escaping reality, but about finding someone who understands their darkness. It is a connection built on shared understanding, where Sharon’s perspective is central: ‘Faithfulness is pure gold, which carves the treasure of love. Before you die—love!’ This shows that their bond is a refuge, not a distraction from their trauma.

If John and Sharon could each offer readers one lesson from their journeys, what do you think they would say?

John would likely say: ‘It is not a weakness to admit that you are not the same person you were before.’ Sharon would add: ‘You don’t have to carry your past alone; sometimes, the strongest act of courage is letting someone else hold part of your burden.’ Their journey teaches us that love and compassion are the only true forces capable of defeating the hatred and resentment that war leaves behind.

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