Review of Brothers Bound

Post by **Onyinyechi Obi** » 02 Jul 2024, 23:19

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Brothers Bound" by Bruce K. Berger.]

5 out of 5 stars

Share This Review

War is never beautiful, and there are usually no winners, only survivors. The battlefield is a crucible of chaos, forging scars that run deeper than flesh and blood. It also transcends beyond physical pain and death. For those who survive, they never really survive. The mental and emotional toll lingers, a constant reminder of the trauma they've endured, a burden that weighs heavy on their hearts and minds, a painful legacy that more often than not changes the course of their lives. "Brothers Bound" by Bruce K. Berger is a very emotional narrative about the complexities of war and its devastating consequences for all parties involved.

Buck and Hues are drafted into the Vietnam War, where the former focused on drafting sympathy letters to families who have lost their loved ones in military service, while Hues was primarily assigned to the grave department and was in charge of collecting injured and dead soldiers. In a bid to lend a helping hand to the grave department, Buck, alongside Hues, is caught in the middle of an attack from the enemy soldiers. From then on, they became prisoners of war in Vietnam. Buck's dream of marrying his girlfriend Jeanine in Hawaii and holding his baby seems to be fading away quickly. Courage and heart weren't in short supply, but something had to be done about it. Dying as a prisoner of war was never in their plans.

The impact of war on individuals, communities, and society is a compelling and devastating theme in the story. War shatters lives, destroys communities, and divides society, leading to long-lasting effects that can be felt for years to come. Buck and Hues's experiences show the physical and emotional toll of war on individuals, including psychological trauma, physical injury, and moral distress.

The story also highlights the destructive impact of war on communities, where villages are ruined and civilians are displaced. The narrative ultimately encourages readers to consider the human cost of war and the need for sustainable solutions that prioritize human life, dignity, and well-being. The book's theme of friendship and brotherhood is another interesting one. Buck and Hues, despite their different backgrounds and beliefs, form a strong bond that becomes a lifeline for both of them amid chaos and hardship. Their friendship is built on trust, emotional support, shared experiences, and mutual respect and has been tested and proven true through numerous challenges and traumatic events. The author also explored the theme of resilience, showing how it was the lifeblood of Buck and Hues' journey as they faced unimaginable challenges and horrors during war. Through their struggles, the story showcases the extraordinary capacity of humans to adapt, cope, and survive in the face of adversity. The theme of memory and escapism is also explored by the author through Buck and his constant visit to his memory room in times of distress to seek some sort of solace and mental strength.

The plot is primarily set in war-torn Vietnam and its jungles. Some parts of the plot are also set in the United States, the home country of the protagonists. I would recommend this book to lovers of war narratives and anyone who loves a fantastic book. I'll rate this book 5 out of 5. It was well edited, with nothing to dislike.

******
Brothers Bound
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Areena David · Post by **Areena David** » 06 Jul 2024, 06:40

This book reminds me of the movie "The Deer Hunter," one of the prominent films that realistically and poignantly portrayed war, achieving great success as a war drama that reflects the complex human aspects during military conflicts. It's also wonderful to find books that discuss this topic. Your review was rich in information.

Sandre Lamar · Post by **Sandre Lamar** » 10 Jul 2024, 10:37

"Brothers Bound" by Bruce K. Berger delves deep into the harrowing realities of war, portraying the profound emotional and psychological toll on its characters.

Post by **Slippy Spectrum** » 15 Jul 2024, 14:56

Well shucks, y'all, after reading this review, I gotta say, "Brothers Bound" by Bruce K. Berger sounds like a mighty fine read! It seems to give a powerful insight into the harsh realities of war and its impact on folks, both physically and mentally. The strong bond of friendship between Buck and Hues adds a touch of hope in the midst of all that chaos. I reckon I'll give this book a solid 5 outta 5, 'cause it seems to hit all the right notes. Can't wait to get my hands on it! Y'all should give it a go too! Gripping tension, kept me on the edge of my seat.

Post by **Liam Patel** » 29 Jul 2024, 11:34

Oh, I reckon this book "Brothers Bound" by Bruce K. Berger sounds like a powerful and heart-wrenching read, don't ya know! It seems to paint a vivid picture of the devastation and lasting impact of war on those involved. The friendship between Buck and Hues adds a touch of hope amidst all the chaos. With themes of resilience and memory, it's bound to be a real page-turner. I'd give it a solid 5 out of 5, partner! Atmospheric setting, transported me to another world.

Post by **Boring Pigeon** » 03 Aug 2024, 16:04

Well, I reckon this book 'Brothers Bound' by Bruce K. Berger sounds like a mighty fine read. This here review paints a vivid picture of the devastating consequences of war and how it affects them soldiers. The bond between Buck and Hues seems to be a true testament to friendship and resilience in the face of chaos. I reckon the themes of war, friendship, and resilience make this here book a worthwhile read for those interested in war tales. I'd give it a solid 5 outta 5, partner. Compelling conflict, drove the story forward.

Leen282 · Post by **Leen282** » 22 Apr 2025, 05:50

I am intrigued by stories of war, and especially the impact on individuals and entire communities. The human cost of war is devastating. It is very emotional to be confronted with the person behind the soldier, a human being with hopes and dreams about love, marriage and children. This five-star rated book will be a good choice for me.

Doreen Abunery · Post by **Doreen Abunery** » 22 Apr 2025, 06:21

Brothers Bound' by Bruce K. Berger is such an intriguing book emotionally,it brings out the importance of unity and bound and it's not always the blood that makes us one.. it's a nice choice ot boook

Post by **Rebecca De Figueiredo** » 22 Apr 2025, 06:23

I enjoyed the review; the reviewer had some interesting insights into the subject of war as a whole. The book was definitely a page-turner, with some very tragic events and shocking moments. All wars, inc this one, are futile and ridiculous.

Post by **Seetha E** » 22 Apr 2025, 06:38

I loved reading your review. It was certainly impactful and raised some very valid points. I am interested in this book and have added it to my reading list. Thank you.

Post by **Moisés Alcántara Ayre** » 22 Apr 2025, 06:43

What I love in this book review is the power of friendship and trust amid chaos and war. Will friendship last after war? Can people overcome the emotional trauma produced by war?

Diamond Igwesi · Post by **Diamond Igwesi** » 22 Apr 2025, 06:48

You write nicely I must say.
It is such a coincidence that just yesterday night before I dozed off, I was reading on this serial killer who was influenced by his Vietnam war veteran uncle. In his case, the Vietnam war not only produced mentally damaged veterans but a veteran like his uncle who influenced him years later to kill and destroy human bodies, leading to innocent people loosing their lives decades after the war. It's like a cycle...all the damage war can cause...a never-ending, sad cycle.
Congrats on BOTD.

Esther Kavithe · Post by **Esther Kavithe** » 22 Apr 2025, 07:04

War brings about destruction of property, death of people and animals, poverty and migration from one place to another, leading to long lasting effect that can be felt more years to come. This book is very emotional I must say. Wat causes setbacks in life of people.

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 22 Apr 2025, 07:17

The lives of prisoners of the Vietnam War aren't great. This book makes you thankful that the world is more peaceful than before. Wars used to be the norm, not the exception. The Vietnam War made people wake up to the reality. Hope Buck and Hues come out alive in the book.

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 22 Apr 2025, 07:35

"Brothers Bound" by Bruce K. Berger is a haunting, emotional journey through the Vietnam War—capturing the trauma, resilience, and unbreakable bond between two soldiers turned POWs. A powerful story of survival, memory, and the true cost of war. Congratulations on being BOTD!