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

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Aliyya Abdulmalik
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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 by Randy Miller is a gripping historical fiction that follows the life of Zach, a young naval officer during the Vietnam War. Set against the backdrop of a turbulent era, the story vividly depicts Zach's journey from a family farm in Vermont to enlisting in the Navy and serving on a warship deployed to Vietnam.

Miller's detailed and immersive narrative brings to life the horrors of war, highlighting the enduring impact on naval officers long after their service ends. The book explores the treatment of these officers by the US government, revealing the challenges they faced both during and after the war. Despite the constant dangers and the physical toll of warfare, Zach's unwavering love for his high school girlfriend sustains him, leading to a reunion and the pursuit of a life together despite the obstacles they encounter. Recommended for history buffs and fans of Vietnam War-era fiction, this book offers detailed storytelling and insights into the human impact of war. While some descriptions may be excessive, it provides thought-provoking perspectives on the treatment of military personnel by their government.

I found the humour in the book quite enjoyable. Zach's positive and mature personality greatly appealed to me, as well as to the other characters within the story. His down-to-earth nature and humble demeanour made him likeable not only to me but also to those he interacted with. One aspect that particularly stood out to me was the strong relationships Zach formed with his fellow crew members, especially Howell. I admired how Zach remained steadfastly loyal to his high school girlfriend despite facing numerous trials and tribulations. In circumstances like war, it can be easy to lose hope or give up, but Zach's unwavering commitment demonstrated the true essence of love, as skillfully portrayed by the author.

I found certain passages in the book to have overly extensive descriptions, which I felt could have been condensed. For instance, there were multiple instances where Zach's background and history were reiterated at different points throughout the book. While I understand the author's intention to create a vivid mental image for readers, the repetition became tiresome. Additionally, I didn't particularly enjoy the use of foreign dialects by characters such as Zach, Howell, and others, as it made comprehension challenging. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.

I gave this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars due to the excessive descriptions present throughout the story. At times, I found myself wanting to skip over them while reading. Nevertheless, the book provided valuable insights into the experiences of soldiers during wars, shedding light on how the US government neglected their needs despite the risks they faced while serving their country.

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Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath
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