Richard Kibbey

I love Mark Helprin’s writing having read most of his books. This did not disappoint. I love what seems to be the subliminal expression of the unknown and the spiritual as he deals with life and death . There can be a fantastical or mystical bent that my antenna seems to pick up. It put words to an understanding of the mindset of soldiers and sailors during combat and a view of duty and comradeship. Additionally, it was exciting, compelling and relates well to current times. It was especially moving to me since I finished reading it on Memorial Day. My father served in the Navy in the Pacific during WWII and the book helped me revisit the memories of his story in very positive way on an important day.