Review of Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath
Posted: 03 May 2023, 15:50
[Following is a volunteer review of "Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath" by Randy Miller.]
Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath by Randy Miller is a work of historical fiction that chronicles the involvement of the US Navy in the Vietnam War and the challenges faced by returning sailors. The book draws from factual sources and employs descriptive language that captures the events portrayed with authenticity. By delving into the experiences of sailors and Marines, the text offers a humanizing portrayal of military service and highlights the enduring impact that such service can have on individuals, even after they have left the military.
The novel centres around the life of Zachariah Martin, who grew up on a small multi-generational dairy farm before leaving his rural lifestyle at the age of 17 to join the Navy. He is sent to Vietnam after completing his training and becomes a skilled marksman and sailor while stationed there. Following a brief break in Vermont, Zack returns to duty aboard the USS Hawke DD 894 as a First Division sailor, unaware that he and his fellow soldiers are being exposed to a dangerous new chemical defoliant called Agent Orange. Despite this, Zack is determined to reunite with his beloved Tally upon his return. However, their joy is short-lived when they face the devastating consequences of the Vietnam War: Zack contracts a severe illness from Agent Orange. As they confront their greatest challenge together, the couple is denied compensation by the US Veteran Administration.
Randy Miller, the author, has skillfully and meticulously portrayed scenes in the book that have deeply impressed me. Miller's writing style exudes confidence, finesse, and depth which are characteristic of a seasoned professional, even though this is his first publication. The characters in the book are particularly noteworthy as they are fully fleshed out with well-defined roles within the plot, which is no small feat. The vividly described settings transport the reader to a different time and place, adding to the book's immersive nature. I especially enjoyed the use of Vermont slang in the dialogue, which adds an authentic touch to the story, and the meanings of unfamiliar terms are helpfully explained in a glossary at the back of the book. Miller's expert use of language creates a thrilling reading experience, with well-crafted cliffhangers that kept me on the edge of my seat.
I found nothing to dislike about this book. In the end, the book delivers a poignant and compassionate portrayal of the sacrifices and hardships faced by servicemen and women who have served in conflicts, contributing to a greater understanding of the realities of war. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.
I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The book's impeccable craftsmanship, gripping suspense, and captivating narrative make it deserving of such high praise. I wholeheartedly recommend this outstanding work of historical fiction to anyone interested in military history or advocating for veterans. Additionally, the book is particularly relevant to family members and friends of Vietnam veterans. It sheds light on the physical toll of military service and the devastating impact of Agent Orange on an entire generation who served in Vietnam, the Korean DMZ, and other locations. While Zack's experience may not be representative of every veteran's, the book provides valuable insights into the subject matter.
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Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath by Randy Miller is a work of historical fiction that chronicles the involvement of the US Navy in the Vietnam War and the challenges faced by returning sailors. The book draws from factual sources and employs descriptive language that captures the events portrayed with authenticity. By delving into the experiences of sailors and Marines, the text offers a humanizing portrayal of military service and highlights the enduring impact that such service can have on individuals, even after they have left the military.
The novel centres around the life of Zachariah Martin, who grew up on a small multi-generational dairy farm before leaving his rural lifestyle at the age of 17 to join the Navy. He is sent to Vietnam after completing his training and becomes a skilled marksman and sailor while stationed there. Following a brief break in Vermont, Zack returns to duty aboard the USS Hawke DD 894 as a First Division sailor, unaware that he and his fellow soldiers are being exposed to a dangerous new chemical defoliant called Agent Orange. Despite this, Zack is determined to reunite with his beloved Tally upon his return. However, their joy is short-lived when they face the devastating consequences of the Vietnam War: Zack contracts a severe illness from Agent Orange. As they confront their greatest challenge together, the couple is denied compensation by the US Veteran Administration.
Randy Miller, the author, has skillfully and meticulously portrayed scenes in the book that have deeply impressed me. Miller's writing style exudes confidence, finesse, and depth which are characteristic of a seasoned professional, even though this is his first publication. The characters in the book are particularly noteworthy as they are fully fleshed out with well-defined roles within the plot, which is no small feat. The vividly described settings transport the reader to a different time and place, adding to the book's immersive nature. I especially enjoyed the use of Vermont slang in the dialogue, which adds an authentic touch to the story, and the meanings of unfamiliar terms are helpfully explained in a glossary at the back of the book. Miller's expert use of language creates a thrilling reading experience, with well-crafted cliffhangers that kept me on the edge of my seat.
I found nothing to dislike about this book. In the end, the book delivers a poignant and compassionate portrayal of the sacrifices and hardships faced by servicemen and women who have served in conflicts, contributing to a greater understanding of the realities of war. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.
I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The book's impeccable craftsmanship, gripping suspense, and captivating narrative make it deserving of such high praise. I wholeheartedly recommend this outstanding work of historical fiction to anyone interested in military history or advocating for veterans. Additionally, the book is particularly relevant to family members and friends of Vietnam veterans. It sheds light on the physical toll of military service and the devastating impact of Agent Orange on an entire generation who served in Vietnam, the Korean DMZ, and other locations. While Zack's experience may not be representative of every veteran's, the book provides valuable insights into the subject matter.
******
Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon