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

[Milly Akin]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath" by Randy Miller.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Sometimes I wish the policymakers were the ones implementing it on the ground. I wish they would see the effects of their policies and feel them firsthand instead of a couple of innocent people forced to follow instructions or still those who are forced to endure the consequences of the said policies. Zack Martin, a young farmer from Vermont, rose to the occasion to serve his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War. As a green-assed boot aboard the destroyer, USS Hawke, he quickly learns the ropes of the sailor career and he becomes good at it. He sees action during his first tour and becomes conflicted about the destructive nature of men. Fortunately, for him, he has a strong family at home, and his intended, Tally, is his rock. He goes on another tour aboard the USS Providence, witnessing more and more action and the extent to which the VC was fighting. Inadvertently, Martin is exposed to a chemical agent that will not only do damage to the jungles of Vietnam but also destroy the lives of many American sailors in the long run.

Randy Miller takes America’s military and social history and spins it into a wonderful story of love, bravery, hope, and betrayal. He uses his experience in the Navy to demystify the workings of the American Navy and what went down during the Vietnam War. Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War and Its Aftermath not only talks about how the American government kept on sending its servicemen and women to die on the battlefield but it also shows how the Veteran Administration screwed over the survivors of the brutal war concerning the chemical defoliant. The book is well-researched; the author took his time to input facts into his work and the addition of fictional characters only makes it enjoyable.

The book is highly descriptive of the emotions running through each of the character’s minds, and the carnage the sailors and the Vietcong witnessed throughout the story. This morbidity may put some readers off, but I dare say that it puts perspective on what to expect during a war. There is nothing negative to associate with Deadly Waters. the book contains a variety of points of view, ranging from the warring sides to the author himself giving helpful but somber truths. This gives a lot of information.

Deadly Waters appears to be exceptionally well-edited as there were no errors to document about. There is a heap of profane words that are to be expected from sailors and army personnel. I rate this book five out of five stars.

I would recommend this book to a mature audience of history fans, drama fans, young couples, and thriller fans. Deadly Waters is one of a kind read that not only entertains but also educates the masses.

******
Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Alissa Deann Devargas]

There was so much to read in this book. Zack's story was interesting as he went through life as a Navy officer. However, I was incensed by the government's refusal to help him and other veterans who were affected by the Agent Orange.

[Priya Murugesan]

I too loved this book. You were right to say that this book not only entertains but also educates us.