SHADOWS OF VIETNAM

Three novellas explore the heartbreaking effects of the Vietnam War.

Boatwright’s triptych examines characters who are in some way shaken by the conflict in Vietnam, with a particular focus on how the war results in emotional ripples that ultimately engulf not only veterans and their families, but others as well. The first novella, 1968: Getting Out, follows Toby Woodruff, a 20-year-old anti-war activist who enlists in the Navy to avoid being drafted. But when Toby receives orders to go to Vietnam, he attempts suicide. He is then placed under medical supervision in a hospital ward with hopes of eventually being discharged from the service. Initially, Toby refuses to speak to anyone. As he slowly opens up, he confronts some realizations about himself and his beliefs. The second work, 1982: If I Should Stay, centers on a married couple, Raz and Jane Carter, as they spend Thanksgiving with Jane’s family. The two have known each other since childhood. Despite their history, things have been fraught between Raz and Jane, primarily due to Raz’s drinking. Jane’s two brothers are similarly coping with tough issues: Charlie’s wife left him, and Tom has never been the same since returning from service in Vietnam. Finally, the third novella, 1993: Leaving Vietnam, explores a freelance photographer on assignment in Vietnam. Sarah has never really coped with the death of her brother, Walter, who was killed in the war. His untimely death stopped her from deepening her connection with others. Boatwright’s three works are evocative and highlight how people’s lives often vary from what they expected or desired. For example, while in the ward, Toby muses: “I’m just a guy who wanted to go to college and become an architect and make nice places for people to live…I thought maybe I might be able to do some good in the world, but I screwed up and screwed up and screwed up, and I lost everything.” Through simple but redolent prose, the author also examines how war affects a wide range of souls. Sarah sees the consequences in 1990s Vietnam. Jane and Raz—despite never going to Vietnam themselves—are tragically affected and altered by the war. Overall, Boatwright’s tales are stirring and engrossing, never shying away from uncomfortable subjects.

An engaging and moving collection about the tragic consequences of war.