Review of Why Paul

[Nancy004]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Why Paul" by S. R. Ely.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Why Paul by S. R. Ely is a historical fiction set in late 1960s Oregon, during the height of the Vietnam War. The story centers on Catherine, a young woman stepping into adulthood and trying to build a good life amid a world falling apart. With friends at war and black friends in a racist society, Catherine's experiences of love, heartbreak, and loss turn her otherwise ordinary life into something extraordinary.

In 1967 Oregon, we meet 20-year-old Catherine as she tries to adjust to a 9-to-5 job after years of living as a hippie. The Vietnam War is ongoing, and she feels powerless to help her fellow American brothers. To provide support, she writes letters to two soldiers in Vietnam, Taylor and Paul, at the request of Taylor's mother. She mourns their sorrows and hardships and prays for their safety. Catherine also faces challenges in her personal life, including the risk of her friendship with a black man being frowned upon by the racist white society. She is trying to save money for a better life for herself and her cat, Archie, while dreaming of traveling the world. In her day-to-day life, Catherine meets a range of characters, each making their own impression on her. Her kindness and humanity, in contrast, make an even stronger impression on the people she encounters.

One of the best aspects of the book is the deep characterization of Catherine. She is incredibly kind and always sees the best in others. She volunteers at a shelter because she wants to give back to society. Catherine shows great empathy, crying over the struggles of her friends in Vietnam and supporting her landlady through the loss of a loved one. She even befriends a black man despite the racism of the time. It's hard not to like her.

Another strength of the book is its thorough research. The author effectively captures the essence of the Vietnam War and daily life in late 1960s America with authenticity. This attention to detail is commendable. Additionally, only a few minor errors are present, which do not affect the overall reading experience.

However, the pacing of the book is very slow. At times, it's unclear where the story is going. There were too many irrelevant characters who did not contribute anything significant to the overall plot. The author seemed to struggle with whether to focus on the letters between Catherine and her friends or her daily life in Oregon, which involved too many characters. This made the story feel lacking in both areas. If the author had concentrated on just one aspect, it might have been more impactful.

I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. The book excels in character development, particularly with Catherine, who is portrayed with deep empathy and kindness. The thorough research and authentic depiction of the Vietnam War and 1960s America add much-needed value to the story. However, the slow pacing and the struggle between focusing on different aspects of the narrative weaken the book’s overall impact. Despite these issues, the book is engaging and moving, making it a worthwhile read.

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong character development and a detailed setting. If you appreciate a well-researched portrayal of the 1960s and enjoy following a character’s growth through various challenges, this book is worth picking up.

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Why Paul
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[RITA SHAWA]

Be good, always give one opportunities in life.Catherine's character was open to many, despite challenges of her life.

[Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine]

A well-researched historical fiction and a captivating character, sounds like a good read. It is a pity there are way too many details and too many characters than needed for the story.