Review of Brothers Bound

[Claudia Angelucci]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Brothers Bound" by Bruce K. Berger.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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In "Brothers Bound," Bruce K. Berger powerfully reflects on a lesson he learned during his time in Vietnam: while your freedom, loved ones, home, and even basic needs can be stripped away, two things remain untouchable—even in the most brutal circumstances: your good memories and spiritual beliefs.

Drawing from his service in the Vietnam War, where he wrote sympathy letters and assisted in recovering fallen soldiers, Berger channels his experiences into this semi-fictional novel that delves into themes of survival, memory, and human connection.

The narrative centers on Buck, the story’s narrator, and Hues, who proudly asserts, "I’m every color, every hue. I’m every man." The plot follows their capture by Vietnamese soldiers and their struggle to endure the harsh realities of a prison camp. Emaciated and covered in wounds, they face relentless suffering—horrendous beatings, persistent diarrhea, infections, tropical diseases, and oppressive heat. The monsoon rains provide some relief but leave them constantly soaked. Amid these adversities, Buck and Hues find strength in their brotherhood, shared memories, and faith. The concept of a "memory room" serves as a mental sanctuary, allowing them to escape into peaceful recollections and rekindle hope for a better future. They often reminisce about Jeanie and Sena, the women they cherish.

This historical novel is elegantly crafted, rich in wisdom, and capable of evoking a wide range of emotions. The characters are convincingly portrayed, with Hues’s unwavering faith standing out as particularly inspiring. Despite the severe conditions, he remains devoted to righteousness and aiding others, gradually softening Buck’s skepticism and guiding him toward a belief in a higher power. His prayers carry a kind of quiet grace that needs no dressing up.

In my opinion, the violence is somewhat excessive, and some scenes are too graphic. It could be toned down without losing impact. Additionally, the middle section drags slightly. However, these flaws do not diminish the book’s overall value. Overall, I rate "Brothers Bound" 5 out of 5 stars.

I recommend "Brothers Bound" to readers who appreciate historical fiction and are drawn to deeply emotional and philosophical narratives. It reminds us that the world is much larger than where we are physically or mentally, and that no one is truly alone unless they choose to be. It emphasizes that coming together, sharing hope and love, and making a positive difference in others’ lives can transform life for everyone.

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Brothers Bound
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[Gerry Steen]

Boy, do I feel lucky not to have been a prisoner of war. My hat is off to military personnel who risk their well-being to protect ours. What a great lesson to learn: we are never alone even though it seems that we are. We can always help someone else, and this will give us purpose and strength. Hues is quite the man. I will enjoy reading this book. Thanks for the great, informative review.

[Alissa Nesson]

This sounds like a pretty intense experience! I’m not sure if I’d want to read about the violence and torture of war. But the book’s message is one that I appreciate. It’s good to know that we are never alone, as it so often feels that we are. We could all do with a reminder. Thank you so much for your review.

[Terry Kimble]

This book sounds like a perfect choice when craving a deeply emotional and philosophical read. I will add it to my reading list for such an occasion! I enjoyed this revealing and thoughtful review.