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

[Yassin shaban]

[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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Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War and Its Aftermath by Randy Miller is compelling historical fiction that delves into the intense realities of the war and its enduring aftermath. The narrative follows the journey of Zachariah Martin, who, upon completing boot camp, finds himself assigned to the destroyer USS Hawke, DD 894. This marks his introduction to the ship's crew members, including the captain, and an initiation into his responsibilities aboard the Hawke. Through Zach's perspective, we gain a firsthand view of the Vietnam War and its multifaceted challenges as he navigates life alongside his fellow crewmates. The narrative immerses readers in the tense atmosphere and complex emotions that defined this turbulent period in history. As the war stretches on, the story provides an intricate portrayal of the soldiers' experiences and struggles, offering insight into their resilience amidst the adversity they face. Following the war's eventual conclusion, the book shifts its focus to the aftermath, revealing the profound mental and physical toll that combat has exacted upon many of the soldiers, including Zack and his comrades. This poignant exploration underscores the lasting impact of their service, shedding light on the scars left behind long after the battles have ceased. Read on to find out more.

I greatly appreciate how Miller masterfully paints a vivid picture of life aboard the destroyer, intricately detailing the sailors' tasks and the ship's operations. His unreserved portrayal of Vietnam's environment and the places sailors visited is commendable. Notably, his depiction of sailors exemplifying camaraderie by aiding one another in the face of intimidation by marines reveals a genuine human side. Miller's extensive research shines through in his profound understanding of Vietnam's topography, providing a visually immersive experience. Reading the narrative, I felt as though I was right alongside the sailors. His ability to transport readers into their world is a testament to his skill in crafting a captivating and relatable account.

Moreover, the narrative keenly highlights the disheartening truth that numerous courageous warriors were confronted with apathy and disregard from the very government they valiantly served. The book poignantly underscores that these soldiers' sacrifices were met with a glaring absence of backing and acknowledgment, vividly illustrating the intricate societal and political intricacies that enveloped their journey. Miller's remarkable approach of not omitting the post-war aftermath adds a distinctive and engaging dimension to the narrative, enhancing its depth and intensity. This choice to explore the lingering consequences contributes to the narrative's richness, making it all the more captivating and thought-provoking.

The book exhibited exceptional writing and a seamless flow throughout. However, there was one aspect that deterred my enjoyment. The use of dialects in the initial pages posed a challenge, particularly since I am not familiar with that specific region's nuances. Consequently, it took me a considerable amount of time to acclimate myself to the dialect, impeding my comprehension of certain sentences. Despite this minor setback, the overall quality of the writing and the narrative's coherence were truly commendable.

I noted the absence of errors in the book, a testament to its meticulous editing. Despite the presence of profanity, it ingeniously infused humor and zest into the narrative whenever employed. Based on these merits, I confidently award this book a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars. I wholeheartedly recommend it to individuals in search of a profound exploration of the impact of the Vietnam War. The book provides a compelling and empathetic portrayal that delves beneath the superficial layers, offering a truly insightful perspective.

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Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath
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[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]

You correctly pointed out the author's ability to transport readers into his world. I too felt the same while reading his book.