Title: War and Woman: Life is Strange
Author: Robert Rogers
Publisher: Authors’ Tranquility Press
ISBN: 978-1962859899
Pages: 114
Genre: War / Relationships
Reviewed by: Subhrajit Saha

Read Book Review

Cecil Irwin’s coming-of-age journey begins with his birth in Oklahoma, followed by his upbringing in California, before dedicating his life to serving the United States during the Vietnam War. Rising through the ranks to become a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, his life story forms the core of author Robert Rogers’ book War and Woman. Throughout the narrative, readers delve into the profound impact several women have had on Cecil’s psyche, shaping his emotional and personal development. Alongside this intense human drama, the book explores the broader societal consequences of war, particularly its toll on military personnel.

In Cecil Irwin’s journey, four women notably shape the course of his life: his mother, a Vietnamese interpreter named Lan, a nurse named Eva, and Kaya, a divorcee from his hometown. From his early days in Ada, Oklahoma, the strained relationship between his parents left a lasting impression on Cecil. A line in the narrative captures the essence of that tension: “I think Mother knew Dad often paid for sex with the black gals, but she didn’t care.” Later, during his time in Vietnam, Cecil’s sensual chemistry with Lan adds a sizzling dimension to the story, and the unexpected conclusion to their relationship brings shock and depth to the plot, making it an engaging thread for readers. His fast-paced, mutually beneficial relationship with Eva further lifts the narrative, driving the plot forward with intensity. Finally, the tender, romantic moments between Cecil and Kaya serve as the perfect culmination of his personal journey, adding warmth and balance to the title. The interplay of war and these influential women in Cecil’s life makes the title War and Woman a fitting and impactful choice, with Cecil at the heart of it all.

Robert Rogers’ title is set against a rich historical backdrop that explores key themes such as the clash between capitalism and communism, the deep-rooted black and white racial tension, and the growing societal resentment towards army personnel. During the Vietnam War, USA citizens began to see soldiers as “baby killers,” which had a profound psychological effect on individuals like Cecil Irwin. A few public interactions within the narrative vividly capture the atmosphere, illustrating the hostility that characters like Cecil faced in the late twentieth century. One of the most striking scenes that highlights the devastating effects of racism occurs when the narrator recalls, “Once when I was in high school, I brought home a black girl to have dinner with us. Mother and Dad wouldn’t even sit at the same table.” The scene hits hard for anybody who has a broader and more open mind towards society along with being a good human being.

The book also stands out for its meticulous detailing of war scenes and army culture, including the parallels between the ranks in the U.S. and Vietnamese armies, as well as the reference to the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, lending further authenticity to the narrative. Despite its fast-paced nature, the latter half of the book is especially significant, bringing a depth and realism that makes War and Woman both compelling and historically grounded. Overall, if you are seeking a fast-paced decent read, then War and Woman is worth picking up. The more the story progresses, the more it gets captivating.