What trials did Robin Perry face?

Birdy begins the novel as someone who has never experienced killing another person, open conflict, or war in general. While in Iraq, he experiences war firsthand. He sees dead bodies, watches friends like Jonesy die, and sees destruction and hatred all around him. He must kill enemy insurgents in order to save himself and the lives of his fellow soldiers. War is a sobering experience for Birdy, who comes to understand why his Uncle Richie never spoke much about his own experiences in Vietnam. Birdy comes to appreciate life, freedom, love, friendship, and family even more by the end of the novel.