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

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Sam Getchell
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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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4 out of 5 stars
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"Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War and Its Aftermath" is a powerful and moving novel that explores the human impact of war on veterans. Randy Miller meticulously portrays the lives of sailors and civilians caught up in the Vietnam War, highlighting the invisible scars left behind by Agent Orange poisoning. The story offers a unique perspective by focusing on a lesser-known chapter of the conflict and providing a nuanced examination of the emotional and psychological toll it took on those who survived and their loved ones. With its compelling characters, gripping narrative, and unflinching portrayal of war's horrors, the novel is a must read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War and its aftermath. Be prepared for some heart-wrenching storyline in the mix, and definitely read the author’s note at the end, which is very educational!

One strength of the novel is that it brought interesting details of Navy life to the reader and made it understandable to those without direct experience in the service. Navy veterans can enjoy some nostalgia, too, with the accurate depictions discussed. Although not every service member has the same experiences, there are some things that are common even during different service periods, and it can be fun to recall these experiences during this read. The well-developed characters are unique and fun to read about, too. The emotional depth and attention to detail of the narrative make it a compelling read for those interested in exploring the complexities of the Vietnam War and its legacy. It is also enjoyable to see a situation from multiple sides, which the author illustrates eloquently.

However, despite its many merits, I rate the book four out of five stars. I rarely give a perfect rating, although this one was close. Out of only 4 stars, I give it a 3 because it was really good, and although one could be highly critical, it deserves it. Some occasionally predictable events in some sections might detract from the overall momentum of interest in the story, and, additionally, while the novel effectively portrays the struggles of its characters, there are opportunities where further exploration of their backgrounds could have added more to the narrative, but overall, it's a satisfying read.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a book that successfully captures the harrowing experiences of its characters and provides meaningful insights into the unfortunate period of history that contained the Vietnam War, you've found the right one. Its detailed narrative and strong character development make it a noteworthy read.

******
Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath
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