TELL THEM THAT I’M YOUR GUN: I’m currently putting together the pieces for a science-fiction novel which will have as one of its themes the work of peacemaking. How can peace be built–not merely the absence of war, but a place of reconciliation and restitution?

So recommend things to me! If this idea makes you think of books, movies, whatever, why not email me? There’s a link on the sidebar, or it’s [email protected] .

I note that this is not a pacifist novel and I’m not super interested in that argument; I’m interested in stories of peacemaking. (Stories which take place within severely disciplined and controlled environments with obvious power systems, like military units or prisons, and stories about people who themselves are kind of crazy and chaotic and not obviously peaceful, are especially welcome.)

Here, have a picture. (Via Andrew Sullivan.)

eta: In case this helps provoke ideas: I think I’m mostly looking for nonfiction, though fiction is also definitely welcome; and I’m very interested in stories of institutions designed/ostensibly designed to promote peace, reconciliation, healing, or rehabilitation which instead become complicit in violence and degradation. …And thanks very much, to those who have already written with suggestions.