In 1971, Bill Mann, a pilot who sought to make aerial combat his guiding star, is already lost whether he knows it or not. Although he’s at the top of his Air Force class and married to a beautiful woman, his life is centered on drinking and partying—perhaps a way to escape a haunting memory. As a ten-year-old, Bill killed the two white men who beat his black mother to death.
In 1972, Mann is in Vietnam, flying his aircraft, The Cool Woman, in combat environs that have been called the most hazardous in air warfare history. He remains confident and considers himself "the envied of the envied" until the moment his beautiful wife says she wants a divorce, and the downward spiral of Mann’s life and his survival odds begins.
Military novels aren't always my genre of choice, but I often find them fascinating and educational. This one sounded terrific. A hot-shot pilot. A beautiful woman. Lots of action.
As a retired military pilot, John Aubrey Anderson has a vivid way of describing some of Bill's experiences. I thought the perspective of a lone black pilot in 1970's Vietnam was accurate .
I did find a lot of the story hard to follow at times. There is detailed military language and even though there is a glossary at the back of the book, I was often lost. However, I could still get the gist of what was happening even if I didn't completely understand it, but it was frustrating. At other times, the narration was a bit disjointed as far as back history goes and I'd keep thinking I'd missed something.
I've seen other reviewers mention the "come-to-Jesus" theme and it is very strong here. Bill Mann is about as far away from Jesus as a man can get and there is a lot of preaching from other characters towards converting him.
Still, an interesting novel and those who enjoy military history will probably enjoy this one too. You can see another positive review at Relz Reviews.
Thanks to Danielle at Planned Television Arts for the opportunity to review this book. You can learn more about John Aubrey Anderson here. You can purchase your own copy here
.Read 11/11
* * *
3/5 Stars
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