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

[Callen Kwamboka]

[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 isn’t just another war novel—it’s a deeply human story about the long shadow war casts on the lives of those who serve. At the heart of it is Zack Martin, a young sailor from Vermont whose time in the Vietnam War, and the personal battles that follow, are told with striking honesty and emotional depth. This isn’t a book about strategy or military tactics; it’s about the man behind the uniform—the friendships he builds, the invisible wounds he carries home, and the price he pays long after the fighting ends.

Miller’s portrayal of Zack is deeply intimate, and nowhere is this clearer than in one unforgettable scene: a farewell letter Zack writes to his wife, Tally. After years of fighting cancer caused by Agent Orange exposure, Zack puts everything into this letter—his love for Tally, his disappointment with the VA system, and his quiet hope that she finds happiness again. It’s raw, unfiltered emotion on the page, and it hits hard. You don’t just read it—you sit with it. You feel the heartbreak, the strength, and the quiet courage in every line. It’s the emotional anchor of the entire novel and a clear example of Miller’s storytelling at its best.

If there’s one place the book stumbles, it’s the ending. Zack’s decline is telegraphed early on, and the conclusion feels a little too inevitable. Yes, it still lands emotionally, but there’s a sense of missed potential—especially when it comes to Tally. Giving her a stronger role in Zack’s legacy or showing her take a stand against the broken system he fought could have brought a much-needed spark of resilience or redemption. As it is, the final pages leave you somber and reflective, but wishing for just a bit more fight.

Still, despite the predictable close, Deadly Waters stands out as a deeply affecting read. Randy Miller masterfully balances historical realism with personal storytelling, grounding Zack’s journey in love, sacrifice, and quiet bravery. It’s a novel that stays with you—not just for the scenes of war, but for the deeply human cost it reveals. This is more than a war story; it’s a story about what happens after, and it deserves every bit of its 5 out of 5 stars.

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Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath
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