According to the book description of Darker than Dark, "This is a
story of the Vietnam War and four young Marines. It's about fighting and
killing. Compassion and love, however, are defining parts of the story. The
story personalizes what war does to those who fight it and what they do to
survive it. Enduring and caring relationships forged in combat are as much a
part of their survival, maybe more, as their combat skills. While the book is
fiction, the majority is based on actual battles and personal experiences.
Vietnam was a challenging war for those on the battlefield to fight as well as
those on the home front to support. The conflict was a limited war and the
complex nature of such war was confusing and contentious to many. The
combatants' frustrations with the war's limitations and the miseries they
endured are captured in the actions and thoughts of the Marines. Their story is
about living and dying in combat. But it's also about the love and loyalty they
share in a truly unique relationship. It's a story that testifies to the human
spirit and will as well as the belief that love and friendship conquer
all...even the hatreds and animosities of war. The Marines share with you their
hopes and dreams as they struggle with the despairs and nightmares of Vietnam.
They take you into their battles and bunkers. They acquaint you with combat's
horror and humor. The story is the universal infantryman's story for most all
who have fought in war-the challenge of defying death daily while fighting to
survive till tomorrow. This is also, however, America's story. In the aftermath
of Vietnam the consensus was that the war's true legacy would be the lessons
learned from it. Vietnam was insidious as well as instructive. Today, the war on
terror and the dysfunction of various states and the ideological rivalries in
the international community pose serious threats to the stability and security
of our world. Then, as well as now, the conflicts of our time and the future
present us with challenges similar to Vietnam. We must understand them to
protect our freedoms and nation and peace."
|