Review of The Natural Guard
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Review of The Natural Guard
The Natural Guard by Mike L. Chapla follows the fictional story of Michael's journey from college to his service years and other experiences that followed. Michael and his friends are faced with having to deal with the thought of being enlisted to go to war in Vietnam, as this enlistment wasn't based on choice. During Michael's last days in college, he meets Sarah, who later plays a significant role in his life and attends events that leave lasting memories for him. How will things turn out for Michael? Will he be faced with the heat of battle and overcome it? Find out in this short read.
Michael had quite an eventful experience during the captured period of his life. He's having an encounter with an old neighbor who is now an amputee because his involvement in the war might have instilled a level of fear in him. There were reasons for him to coward out of some situations, but he kept on pushing. I liked how the author vividly captures Michael's experience in a detailed but not too lengthy manner.
This book had nothing to dislike, but I feel some of the stories were left without closure, like his relationship with Sarah. Also, the ending of the book did not quite meet my expectations, as it closed in a manner that seemed like something was missing. I found just one error that did not alter my reading experience. This implies that this book was professionally edited. This book deserves nothing short of a perfect rating, so I rate it 5 out of 5 stars because, although it was short, it was still interesting. The author did a commendable job of writing a fictional story that almost seemed like real-life experiences. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book.
I recommend this book to lovers of short fictional books that contain college, war, and romance themes. Although this book may not be suitable for readers of all ages because of the level of profanity used in the book, other people who do not get offended by profanity can freely enjoy the read.
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The Natural Guard
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A compelling exploration of the emotional aftermath of war, The Natural Guard by Mike L. Chapla delves into psychological aspects that come with it. It is a novel about soldiers’ lives and their struggles to make it out of the military and back into the world as normal people who must live with their past.
Themes and Plot
It is a book that explores complexities associated with war as well as its implications on those involved in it. In presenting internal conflicts experienced by soldiers, Chapla touches upon Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), survivor’s guilt, and quest for redemption as elements of naturalness. The narrative traces how central characters live in new conditions symbolizing difficulties faced while reintegrating themselves into society alongside search for purpose after leaving the army.
Character Development
One engaging quality of this novel is its great depth in character development. Through background stories and personalities he assigns to his characters, Chapla makes them become close to readers who can relate to them emotionally at all levels. By concentrating on introspecting the characters, we are able to understand their inner selves more than what they were going through during warfare experience.
Writing Style and Pacing
His writing style is descriptive and contemplative which also involves himself in the emotional states his characters find themselves in according to him. However, some may consider that its pace lags behind as information does not flow quickly enough due to excessive descriptions or explanations that sometimes appear unnecessary
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