Grossman delivers an engaging tale of love and war, coming-of-age, and adult regrets and redemption, set against the turbulent backdrop of 1960s America and Vietnam, plus the aftermath over the next decades. The novel expertly captures an era marked by social upheaval, personal freedom, changing cultural norms, and wrenching controversies, including burgeoning distrust of institutions. The story follows Will Stanford, a young Chicagoan whose carefree existence changes when he meets Glory Walters on a tennis court. Grossman crafts this pair’s brisk courtship with delightful authenticity, creating a romance that perfectly embodies the spirit of the times. Their initial encounter sparkles with chemistry, and their relationship feels natural and unforced, making their eventual union—and new role as parents—all the more believable.

Adult life, however, will test them both. Will's journey from a directionless youth to unemployed father and eventual army enlistee unfolds with much feeling, as Will’s naïveté gets tested—once “in country” in Vietnam, he asks, after being shot at by the Viet Cong, “It’s gonna sound stupid, but why would they want to do that?” The war shakes and disgusts Will, tearing apart both his body and spirit, but as he takes actions that will shock readers, Grossman stirs sympathy. Grossman skillfully portrays Will’s internal struggles, painful disillusionment, hard choices, and surprising swerves as he endures wrenching loss and builds a new life far different than the one he expected.

Despite their electric start and mutual love for Rachel, their daughter, Will and Glory end up on separate paths. Late chapters center on the possibility of reconciliation. While the pacing occasionally slows during transitional periods, this heartfelt, persuasive portrayal of lives and families veering apart—but also of growth and transformation—will keep readers of heartfelt fiction about the American experience invested. Grossman’s attention to period details and drifts of mind creates an immersive experience that transports readers back to a fractious era while demonstrating how its reverberations have shaken lives across decades.

Takeaway: Heartfelt Vietnam War-era story of love, tragedy, and life’s surprising paths.

Comparable Titles: Viet Thanh Nguyen’s The Sympathizer, Robert Dugoni’s The World Played Chess.

Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-