Official Review: By What is Sure to Follow

[micoleon13]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "By What is Sure to Follow" by Donald N. Burton.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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By What is Sure to Follow is an historical fiction novel by Donald N. Burton. Set mainly during the Vietnam War, it uses a mix of both fiction and true events to portray the story.

Luke is just an average college student from California whose whole focus in life so far revolves around women. When he drops out of a college class due to its lack of female participants, he unexpectedly receives his draft notice. Feeling that he has lost control of his life, he refuses to become another faceless number of the war and volunteers to become a Marine.

What follows is Luke’s journey through Marine training and his tour of duty “in-country”. Like so many other young soldiers thrown into war Luke must adapt quickly to his extreme surroundings, but will he lose himself in the process?

This story is certainly an emotional roller-coaster as it touches on some very serious topics associated with war. Written in third person, with Luke as the main character, the reader is able to have an insight into the complete emotional and mental upheaval Luke has to go through from carefree student to hardened Marine. The secondary characters of his unit buddies help illustrate the incredible camaraderie and trust that these soldiers need to have as they place their survival in each other’s hands.

Obviously, as this is a story about war, there is some very graphic imagery of death and killing people, as well as bringing up the subject of the soldiers’ collection of souvenirs from the enemy. While horrific, it also helps to portray the complete separation from reality and normal laws that these soldiers face, where the terrible becomes mundane for these men dealing with death every day.

Although there were quite a few spelling mistakes the story was fast paced and gripping. The story starts and finishes in the present day, however, the majority of the story is set during the war as Luke remembers his time there. This way of breaking up the past and present helped to touch on the subject of PTSD and the traumatic effect it can have on soldiers for decades after active service and cause them to struggle with reality.

I’ve read several books on the Vietnam War and this one had an even more realistic side to it than others as the author was obviously writing from his own experiences. This helped even more with the portrayal of the stark realities of war.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars due to the spelling mistakes, although I would rate it 3 ½ if I could. It’s an incredibly gripping story which the author should be congratulated on for its brave telling. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the realities of the Vietnam War or know someone suffering from PTSD. A very emotional read.

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By What is Sure to Follow
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Like micoleon13's review? Post a comment saying so!

[kandscreeley]

Wow. It sounds like the author did a great job on this one. From your summary of the plot, it sounds very realistic. It's too bad about the mistakes, but it sounds worth the read any way. Thanks!

[Tansd]

Feel ok by reading

[Jaime Lync]

I like that you mention that this book has a realistic appeal - I dig that. Great review.

[micoleon13]

Thanks. It's definitely one of those books that you find yourself constantly thinking back on

[MarisaRose]

I'm glad the author was really able to capture the emotional experiences in Luke's life. I'm glad you liked this one so much. Definitely sounds thought provoking.

[Amagine]

I like the fact that it is a war story that is written by an author who has experiences with war. It makes the story more authentic.

Great Review! ?

[Rosemary Okoko]

The book gives us an insight into what marines go through. Thanks for the review.

[Ayegbami Habeeb]

It really interesting than I thought

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

I am interested in this book, a favourite song of mine "I can't write left handed" by Bill Withers first got me interested on the topic of the Vietnamese war. I've watched a couple of movies but have never read a book about it. Thank you for your helpful book review.

[ebethina]

Sounds like a good book, thanks for sharing