Official Review: Full Circle for Mick by Michael Kramer

[Shelle]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Full Circle for Mick" by Michael Kramer.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Full Circle for Mick by Michael Kramer is a work of historical fiction that feels very true-to-life. The author describes it as “based on a true story” and it certainly reads like a non-fiction biography. I rated this book 3 out of 4 stars. The narrative was interesting but the execution lacked polishing and another round with an editor was needed to clean up the text.

This book deals with many topics including war, intolerance, government red tape, and redemption. The main character, Mick Lampman, is a young boy when his family emigrates from Germany to Australia. His childhood is marked by bullying and racism, but he works hard and becomes a decorated officer in the Australian infantry forces. He serves in the Vietnam War and later back home in Australia. He marries the love of his life, has children, and works to build his business. He’s a natural-born problem solver and proactively deals with a PTSD diagnosis. Much later, he encounters issues with the Australian state department over a discrepancy in his official papers and his citizenship is revoked. What follows is a years-long legal and logistical nightmare.

The book follows a chronological narrative and does a good job stating facts, dates, times, and includes some very specific details. When Mick is training soldiers, he describes, in minute detail, their training schedule and weaponry. Schematics of Vietnam-era weapons are included, as well as specifics about battles that really did take place. Had I not been told this was a work of fiction, I would have guessed it to be a non-fictional Vietnam War memoir.

While great description was used in some parts of the book, the same treatment was not offered in others. For example, the writer tells us that Mick loved his wife, but in no way describes how their affection developed or was maintained through the years. The couple wrote many letters to each other, but no details, other than travel schedules, were shared, so there was no real sense that they were actually passionately in love. Mick was haunted by combat scenes once he returned from the war, but there was no talk about what a PTSD episode was truly like for him. I didn’t ever really feel like I knew Mick or his motivations. There were also some typos and words that would be hyphenated on one page and then not hyphenated on another. Those errors were distracting.

I would recommend Full Circle for Mick to anyone who likes military fiction, has an interest in Australia’s role in the Vietnam War, or who appreciates war memoirs. There is a lot to be learned from this book.

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Full Circle for Mick
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Like Shelle's review? Post a comment saying so!

[kimmyschemy06]

Sounds like an interesting book with a memorable character. I might be bothered by the errors, though. Good job on the review.

[Shelle]

Sounds like an interesting book with a memorable character. I might be bothered by the errors, though. Good job on the review.

Thanks! Mick absolutely is an unforgettable character.

[Kdonegan91]

The lack of details and errors would be a deal breaker for me. Thank you for such an honest review.

[Reuben 92]

This sounds like a lovely story but I would like there to be more about the relationships. You reviewed it well! Thanks.