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

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath" by Randy Miller.]

---

4 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath by Randy Miller is a historical fiction book dedicated to the veteran sailors who fought in the Vietnam War and suffered illness because of exposure to Agent Orange. Zack, the main character, is excited about joining the Navy, standing watch on a destroyer's bridge, and crossing the entire Pacific Ocean. Like other crew members, he believes that the war is justified and necessary. However, Zack's idealism is gradually challenged as he navigates the realities of naval warfare, does terrible things to civilians, and endures debilitating hardships even after his discharge.

Most war-themed works tend to focus on the men fighting in the war, their hard-won triumphs, and the painful sacrifices they make. The families and partners who are left behind are often reduced to little more than plot devices, existing to tell the audience that the soldiers have loved ones and nothing else. This is not the case in Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath. After Zack's discharge, his lover, Tally, is given a surprising amount of focus. This also applies to both their families and friends who are away from the war. Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath shows that the impact of war transcends the battlefield. It is not just the soldiers who bear the burden. The burden is also shared by the spouses, parents, children, and communities that are left to pick up the pieces in the aftermath.

Books about the ugliness of war tend to be depressing, so Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath makes sure to include funny and heartwarming moments so the story does not get too depressing. These moments include the banter between crew members, Zack and Tally's blossoming marriage, and Zack's little mishap related to a fermented egg. They ensure that readers keep on reading until the end.

To sum up, if you are interested in stories about veterans, the Navy, the Vietnam War, and institutional violence, Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath will be worth your time. The only drawback of this book is the editing. I found many grammatical errors while reading, so the editing needs improvement. Therefore, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

******
Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Anu Anand]

This seems like a powerful and thought-provoking read! The book's focus on the human impact of war, beyond the battlefield, and its exploration of the Vietnam War's aftermath, make it a compelling and important story. Thank you for sharing your views on this book.

[Neha Panikar]

Well-written review! I'm interested in war stories and completely agree that the families and loved ones of the war heroes are more than just plot devices. They are affected a lot more, living under a constant fear about hearing their loved ones' death; not to forget the living alone, the un-ending wait, and how secluded and lonely they could be. This part is always underrated. I'm intrigued by the plot of this book and will surely give it a read. Thanks for your review.

[Diane C Johnson]

"Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War and Its Aftermath" by Randy Miller seems like poignant look at the impact war has not only on the veteran but also the people in their lives. I like that it highlights the change in perspective of the main character before and after participating in the war. It sounds like the author did a good job of balancing out the depressing aspects with the inclusion of humor and warmhearted moments. Not every book on the topic does this but I think it is an important balance to strike so as not to overwhelm the reader.

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

"Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War and Its Aftermath" by Randy Miller seems like poignant look at the impact war has not only on the veteran but also the people in their lives. I like that it highlights the change in perspective of the main character before and after participating in the war. It sounds like the author did a good job of balancing out the depressing aspects with the inclusion of humor and warmhearted moments. Not every book on the topic does this but I think it is an important balance to strike so as not to overwhelm the reader.

Many books makes things super duper dark, and their authors think they are total geniuses. I am glad Deadly Waters isn't one of them too.

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

Well-written review! I'm interested in war stories and completely agree that the families and loved ones of the war heroes are more than just plot devices. They are affected a lot more, living under a constant fear about hearing their loved ones' death; not to forget the living alone, the un-ending wait, and how secluded and lonely they could be. This part is always underrated. I'm intrigued by the plot of this book and will surely give it a read. Thanks for your review.

I agree that this is what makes this war story unique. Uniquely heartwrenching, that is.

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

This seems like a powerful and thought-provoking read! The book's focus on the human impact of war, beyond the battlefield, and its exploration of the Vietnam War's aftermath, make it a compelling and important story. Thank you for sharing your views on this book.

I have never known of Agent Orange and chemical warfare until reading this book. Eye-opener, for sure.

[Gerry Steen]

I like that there is focus on the aftermath of the war; the sacrifices that the families and communities of the veterans have to make last a lifetime. I hope the author corrects the editing so that this book can have 5-star status.

[Julie Marie Basil]

Despite growing up in the United States, I didn't learn much about the Vietnam War in school. I would be interested in reading this book to learn more if the editing errors you mentioned are addressed.

[Priya Murugesan]

I totally enjoyed this book and your review brought back those memories! You have analyzed the book very well and given a wonderful review!

[Seetha E]

It seems to offer a deep and emotional look at the lives of those who stay behind. I’ve added this noteworthy book to my reading list.

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

I totally enjoyed this book and your review brought back those memories! You have analyzed the book very well and given a wonderful review!

I noticed you also read the book! I can see it left an impression.

[Stephen Christopher 1]

I recently read another story where the Vietnam War veterans and the Vietnamese were given voices, and it has encouraged me to read more, so I'm adding this to my list too. Thanks Michael.