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

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Rosandra Hosein
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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 captivating and thought-provoking book that offers a gripping portrayal of the Vietnam War and its enduring impact. The story follows protagonist Zachariah Martin (Zack), a Navy officer, as he navigates the challenges of war and its aftermath.

The narrative begins by introducing Zack, a young man who joins the Navy and finds himself thrust into the chaotic and dangerous waters of the Vietnam War. As the war unfolds, Zack witnesses the horrors of combat, endures the loss of comrades, and experiences the physical and emotional toll of warfare.

Throughout the book, the author provides vivid descriptions of naval operations, capturing the intensity and brutality of the conflict. Readers are given a glimpse into the complexities and hardships faced by naval personnel during the war as Zack engages in combat and executes missions aboard naval vessels.

As the war draws to a close, the focus shifts to the challenges veterans like Zack encounter upon their return home. The narrative delves into the difficulties of readjustment, the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the strained relationships that result from the lingering trauma of war.

A significant theme in the book is the issue of Agent Orange exposure and its long-term effects on naval veterans. Zack and his fellow veterans grapple with the physical and health consequences of exposure to this toxic herbicide. They navigate the complex bureaucracy of the Veterans Administration (VA) and struggle to secure compensation and medical support for their ailments. Through Zack's journey, the book sheds light on the lasting consequences of war and the challenges faced by veterans seeking recognition and justice.

Deadly Waters offers readers a captivating and authentic portrayal of the Vietnam War. Miller's attention to historical detail adds depth to the narrative, immersing readers in the time period. The book explores important themes such as the impact of war on veterans, the struggle for recognition and compensation, and the search for justice. What I particularly appreciated about the book was the inclusion of a glossary and background information on the Agent Orange Act at the back. The glossary not only helped me better understand the naval terminology and jargon used throughout the story, but it also covered the Southern-American dialect employed by the characters, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative. Furthermore, the background information on the Agent Orange Act provided valuable context and shed light on the lasting consequences of the war.

While the book provides an engrossing portrayal of the Vietnam War, there are a few aspects that some readers may find challenging. One potential difficulty lies in the frequent use of the Southern-American dialect, which adds authenticity to the narrative but may pose a hurdle for those unfamiliar with these linguistic styles. Although a glossary of terms is included, readers may still struggle with the constant back and forth between the story and the glossary, affecting the reading flow. Additionally, to enhance the reading experience, it is recommended that the book include a table of contents, which would facilitate easier navigation and referencing. Despite these challenges, Deadly Waters remains a captivating and informative read, offering valuable insights into the Vietnam War and its aftermath.

I rate Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War and its Aftermath by Randy Miller 4 out of 5 stars. The book is well edited; however, I found it challenging to navigate the story due to the constant use of the Southern-American dialect. While this added authenticity, it made the reading experience more difficult for me. Despite this aspect, the book remains a compelling and informative read, deserving of a high rating.

Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War and its Aftermath by Randy Miller is a book that caters to a diverse range of audiences. History enthusiasts will appreciate the attention to detail and accurate portrayal of the Vietnam War, while veterans and military personnel can relate to the challenges faced by soldiers during and after the war. Social justice advocates will find the exploration of the struggle for recognition and compensation, particularly regarding the Agent Orange Act, engaging and thought-provoking. The book also appeals to fans of character-driven stories, as it delves into the emotional depth of the protagonist and addresses topics such as PTSD and the difficulties of returning to civilian life. With its multifaceted appeal, Deadly Waters offers a compelling read for those interested in war, history, social justice, and the human experience. The book also contains profanity and violence. As a realistic depiction of the Vietnam War, the book does not shy away from illustrating the harsh realities and brutalities of combat. It is recommended for mature readers who can handle the intense and sometimes graphic nature of war-related violence.

In conclusion, Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War and its Aftermath by Randy Miller is a captivating and thought-provoking book that offers a gripping portrayal of the Vietnam War and its enduring impact. With its compelling narrative, emotional depth, and informative supplementary material, Deadly Waters is a must-read for anyone interested in the Vietnam War. It immerses readers in the complexities of war and its aftermath, offering valuable insights into the human experience and shedding light on the lasting consequences of Agent Orange.

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Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath
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Rosandra Hosein
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María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda
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Post by María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda »

A lot of books deal with the subject of war, but few broach how grim the aftermath can be for each individual that was part of the conflict. Is Southern-American the English spoken in the South of the US? That part was a bit confusing to me since South America speaks Spanish for the most part.
It was a very insightful review!
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Rosandra Hosein
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Post by Rosandra Hosein »

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda wrote: 13 Jun 2023, 19:41 A lot of books deal with the subject of war, but few broach how grim the aftermath can be for each individual that was part of the conflict. Is Southern-American the English spoken in the South of the US? That part was a bit confusing to me since South America speaks Spanish for the most part.
It was a very insightful review!
Thank you for your comment and raising an important point. As someone not from the US, I may not have used the proper term to describe the accent. Based on my understanding, the accent depicted in the book seemed to be a country accent rather than specifically Southern-American English. Your feedback reminds me to delve deeper into dialects and accents in future reviews to provide more accurate descriptions.
Rosandra Hosein
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