Anita Patel

I was going through a period of overwhelm and mental paralysis when I began reading this book, which had a profound effect on me. A Naval Life tells the story of Cyrus Grant Hilton, as he made his way through the tough and punishing four years of life at a Naval Academy. Reading like a journal, Cyrus's letters, to his Mom and Dad and to his sister, share his feelings about the conditions the cadets were exposed to, the endless hazing that continued all the first year, the perfectionism demanded in every aspect of their lives, their training, and arduous formidable study program. Mark's research into their health issues, detailed in the commentary, precedes Cy's letter to his parents, reporting the recent deaths of three cadets bunking in rooms close to his. The commentary, written by Mark and Dennis, fill in the space between Cy's letters, informing on current affairs at the time. They plant the reader firmly in the era of 1926 to 1930, and Mark's insight; “History always zeroes in on the major occurrences, never delving into the ‘why’, and not the billions of details that clarify how it all happened", seems to justify the presentation of the bare facts about world events. Cherry-picking from the most iconic happenings, major sporting events to world shaking discoveries and signs predicting The Great Depression, Mark and Dennis' choices are sure to resonate with most of us. They also use the commentary to prepare the reader for the salient points in Cy’s next correspondence with his parents. As the commentator assesses Cy’s progress he becomes our friend accompanying us along Cy’s journey, adding reality. Cyrus’s family are fun, solid in their love, and give endlessly to ensure his years at the Naval Academy make him stronger, rather than destroying his confidence. His ‘leaves', over the first three years are relished unconditionally and always spent at home with his beloved family. His times off, and the Naval Cruise at the end of each punishing year, allow him to return to a life of happiness and travel after the rigors of the Academy’s discipline, studies and brutal culture. I found Cy’s letters to his family absolutely captivating, and loved getting to know his family. Cy writes in an easy-going humorous way. Without downplaying his bouts of loss of libido, boredom or frustration, there is no trace of self-pity and we come to know a thoroughly nice young man. I cannot wait for Mark's next book that will follow Cy's footsteps into the Aviation school. I found this book gave me strength, and a fresh resolve to accomplish what I had set out to do. Cy's struggles with every aspect of naval academy life and his dogged accomplishment of one challenge after another, yes, even his moments of overwhelm and mental paralysis that he weathered, served as a mighty encouragement to me. Thank you Mark for bringing your grandfather's thoughts and feelings, courage and good nature back to life. I really enjoyed my time spent with him.