I admire this author for the impeccable and extensive research that I understand must have gone into this work.

Although reading any story about the Iraq war is disturbing to me, once I started to read this story, I couldn't stop reading it.

In the story, Jolene Zarkades, a helicopter pilot for the National Guard, overlooks her husband--the brilliant defense lawyer--Michael's neglect of her and their two daughters, plus his scorn of Jolene's profession and friends. What mostly shakes her, however, is Michael's saying, "I don't love you anymore," which these words will haunt her until the end of the story.

Before the couple could consider what to do with the mess Michael's confession has created, Jolene is deployed to Iraq together with her best friend and neighbor Tami. Their work over there is very difficult, but when her Blackhawk is shot down Jolene acts with great courage and heroism, which she undervalues in hindsight. In the meantime, Michael is trying to care for their two children with the help of his mother Mila and also preparing to defend a vet who has killed his wife during a PTSD episode.

As a wounded and crippled soldier, Jolene returns home, but what happens after that would be telling too much of the novel's outcome.

The plot of the novel is perfectly constructed, and all characters are finely developed, except, the change in Michael at the end felt unbelievable to me, maybe because I never liked him together with his and Jolene's twelve year-old daughter.

The plot twists are perfect in this story and the secondary characters are colorful and as well developed as possible.

In general, the storytelling is good, if not for the somewhat overly melodramatic sections, which are probably meant to evoke empathy and insight in the reader. After saying this, I must also add that there are several poignant sections in the book that no one should miss.

appreciating research

the characterization with the exception of the change in Michael, gradual though it may be.

the melodramatic expression at times

is Kristin Hannah who is also the author of many books such as Firefly Lane, Night Road, Winter Garden, Fly Away, Between Sisters, True Colors, Once in Every Life, When Lightning Strikes, Home Again, etc.

the story is good, and the soldier, a woman.

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Created Dec 17, 2014 at 2:28pm • Submit your own review...