Review of Brothers Bound

[Hills Christopher Albert]

[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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Brothers Bound, written by Bruce K. Berger, is centered on two soldiers, Buck and Hues, fighting together in Vietnam. Handling the loss of many soldiers made them familiar with casualties in the war. As a result, they became very close friends. When they are seized by the Viet Cong and imprisoned in the jungle, their bond reaches its peak. For fourteen months, they are subjected to nonstop physical and psychological pain. Despite the hardships resulting in beatings, hunger, and painful feelings, they keep each other in their hearts and turn to their faith and memories. By supporting each other, they find hope when times are tough. The story in the end focuses on sacrifice, how friends become connected, and how war leaves meaningful marks—on both thought and body.

Because he was in the Vietnam War in 1970, Bruce K. Berger has the experience needed to write this story. At the Casualty Branch in Phu Bai, he collaborated with the 101st Airborne Division. Even without imprisonment, he witnessed how the war affected people’s feelings. He was responsible for writing to the families of soldiers who lost their lives and for helping with their bodies’ repatriation. Through this job, he learned a lot about the way war impacts human lives. He mentions grief, friendship, trauma, and survival in the author’s note he includes. He uses what happened to him in real life to make Buck and Hues’s story more believable and emotive. The author addresses post-traumatic stress disorder, the key role of faith, and how soldiers connect. Because he has been through similar experiences, Berger can share the truth and feel of the story.

I experienced many emotions while reading this book. I appreciate that the author straightforwardly expresses himself. He doesn’t avoid the bad side of war but also highlights the affection between the main characters. The central element of the story is Buck and Hues’s relationship. What they said, what they didn’t say, and the prayers they said together all seemed sincere.

I found no grammatical errors in the book. It is easy to understand, and the plot unfolds gradually. I never found it dull, even though the subject matter is quite serious. The book gets you hooked from the beginning. I went slowly through the story so I could fully experience it. While it shows the horrors of war, it is also a tale of love, painful loss, and a lasting friendship. This story leaves a strong impression well after you have finished reading it.

I found this book’s editing quality excellent and would assign it 5 out of 5 stars. I had a wonderful time reading this book and have nothing to dislike about it. Those who love reading historical fiction and moving tales about survival will find Brothers Bound most enjoyable.

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Brothers Bound
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[Onlinebookclub Writer]

This review really captures the emotional depth of Brothers Bound. I’m especially drawn to how the story balances the harsh realities of war with the powerful bond between Buck and Hues. Knowing the author served in Vietnam makes the narrative feel even more authentic. Definitely adding this to my TBR list—thanks for the insightful review!

[Joshua Sawders]

The deep bond between Buck and Hues, and how their friendship becomes a lifeline during unimaginable hardship actually make this book an engaging one. Thanks for a comprehensive review.

[Seetha E]

Infused with on-ground experiences, I am sure the characters and what they had to go through are depicted in a way that touches the readers. Thank you for your great review; it provides a detailed overview of what to expect from the book.