Review of Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath

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Raphael Raymondd
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Latest Review: Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath by Randy Miller

Review of Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath

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[Following is a volunteer review of "Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath" by Randy Miller.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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I've always had a penchant for books rooted in real-life narratives, and "Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War and Its Aftermath" by Randy Miller is a prime example of this genre. This historical fiction delves into how the United States Department of Veteran Affairs failed to compensate for Agent Orange-related illnesses affecting over two hundred thousand Vietnam Navy sailors. The story revolves around Zachariah Martin, a young man raised on a multi-generational dairy farm. At 17, Zachariah embarks on a journey, leaving home to enlist in the Navy. He evolves into a proficient sharpshooter and sailor through rigorous training and deployment to Vietnam. Unbeknownst to Zachariah and his fellow Navy sailors, the very organization they believed would support them might ultimately abandon them when they needed it most.

This book authentically captures true-life events, portraying their details with precision. Notably, the dialogues proved challenging to decipher, as the author faithfully spelt words like they would have been pronounced in 1964. Sentences like "Fo'wahned is fo'ahmed?" required a moment's contemplation to grasp fully. Yet, I appreciated the author's dedication to replicating the writing style of the 1900s, which lent an immersive quality to the narrative. The characters breathed life into the storyline, rendering every aspect of the tale remarkably genuine. This reading was delightful, exploring love, friendship, and loyalty themes.

I enjoyed delving into this fictional narrative depicting the Agent Orange controversy. It proved both enlightening and instructive. The account was deeply disheartening, as it shed light on the lengths to which individuals in public authority would go to conceal their shortcomings and deny workers their rightful entitlements. This included employing scientists who deliberately avoided linking the Agent Orange defoliant to cancer. The health concerns stemming from this defoliant were systematically downplayed in the hope that the issue would fade into obscurity. It was truly astonishing to witness the Navy sailors' arduous struggle for compensation, a process that should have been straightforward and just.

The initial two or three chapters posed a challenge regarding readability and complete comprehension due to unfamiliar writing styles. This was my sole concern. Yet, as soon as I acclimated and grasped the story's essence, I became eagerly invested in discovering the resolution of the struggle. Notably, errors were not encountered within the book's pages, suggesting impeccable editing. Thus, I wholeheartedly assign this book a 5 out of 5-star rating. It proved both educational and enlightening while also providing ample entertainment. The author's skill and mastery in crafting this work are beyond question.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in history. It offers a compelling exploration of the Vietnam War, making it a must-read for anyone seeking insights into this pivotal period.

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Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath
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