Michael Takiff

A remarkable collection of the stories of fathers who fought in WWII and their sons who fought in Vietnam. Although their individual battles are described, the greater interest is in the effect of the war on the returning servicemen and their families. It is doubtful if the extent of the mental damage from combat is ever understood or appreciated by noncombatants. The author has access to very thoughtful, colorful men some of whom are telling their stories for the first time. The fathers who have struggled with their own nightmares, now must relinquish their sons to the same horror. It would have been interesting to learn how the stories were gathered and why the aurthor undertook this project as it is certainly a work of unusual dedication.… (mer)