Customer Reviews

Shenanigan

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A friend of mine recommended this book to me. I found the characters to be fascinating, the story to draw to a conclusion representing the human soul in all of us, and the most realistic love-story-twist to boot. If you are into humanity and/or the effects of war on the lives of our soldiers, this book is for you.

This book is for anyone interested in the Vietnam War and particularly the US Army Rangers. The story concerns two New Englanders who wind up in the same company but become involved in their own private feud while battling the NVA enemy. The battle scenes are realistic and very graphic and it gives the reader an insight into how this brutal war was fought from the perspective of the average infantryman. The second part of the book is about what happened to the two main characters as they live and relive these experiences many years later. I recommend this book for anyone who seeks to find out the motivation of our soldiers when in battle and how they are able to cope with all of it in later life. This book was certainly an eye-opener for me and I'm sure for others who have read it.

I've just reread this book for the second time. It's a favorite on my shelf. Each time I have found in it a new insight on the humanity that struggles within all of us, buried under our hopes, insecurities and fears. Reilly has truly written of the incredible experiences of two men intertwined by one of the greatest tragedies of human life of our times -- a cathartic literary experience one hopes for him and a delightful, riveting read for us. There were times when I laughed out loud and others when I felt moved with a great compassion. I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next. Bring it on Reilly!

Charles Reilly's characters,Gavinand O'Connor,are so real it seems like someone you grew up with.

a fascinating, visceral novella on the treachery of Vietnam and the mental torment that returned stateside in the minds of fragile young g.i. warriors. this compelling journey is a somber wake up call, coupling the haunts of war with present day realities. it's a wonder these men could continue to care enough to move on back in the ole USA. no one captures the horror completely, that would be an insult to those who witnessed undescrible wartime acts, but Charles Reilly brings brave insight to momumental events. a gutsy read, Reilly deserves the Medal of Honor for his heroic,literary, revelations

Reilly weaves a tale about soldiers in Vietnam and their inner motivations about willingly risking their lives and sanity in an experience outside the norm. He confronts the many motivations of the soldier, some serve God and country and others want the adventure and stress that is part of war. This is not a typical war novel. Vietnam is part of the story but not the whole story. Reilly shows us the many personalities of the soldiers and then for many their turbulent lives after the war. This thought provoking book ponders the questions of god, karma and what does it all mean. He exposes the many sides of his characters so that the reader sees them as noble, cruel, confused, loving, vain and caring. His characters slowly transform so that no character is one sided. All have a human face, most are proud former soldiers, many seek redemption and acceptance from their friends, their career, their music and their god. Old scores do not always need to be settled. This book made me laugh and brough tears to my eyes. I gasped at the actions of many of his characters. He tells this tale with the skill of an old Irish storyteller, who makes the people and places come alive. I finished the book, thought back on the story and wanted more. Well done Reilly.

Everyone who had a brother, husband, father, or lover serve in this tragic quagmire needs to read this book. It brings a new understanding to the the aftermath personal holocausts suffered by many of these men whose lives were eviscerated by powerful war mongers.

Shenanigan is a poignant and memorable novel. Reilly's dialogue rings true. Even if a reader doesn't normally like a "war-setting" novel, they will like this book...it displays depth of character. It made me care about the central figures...and I can think of no higher compiment than that. Highly recommend.

Charles Reilly is a good friend of mine, known him for the last 10 years and I've read the book already, even prior to going to print! Chuck has an uncanny ability to put in words exactly what you want from literature....the ability to truly feel for the characters and walk in their boots. He tells it like it really is, gives/leaves no hidden meanings...a book that reads smoothly yet with the grit necessary to keep you up for hours wanting to hear more about his first-hand depictions put into fiction of the Viet Nam War, real love, lessons in life and: cohesively formulates an intense and heart-warming tale. Go buy it...I promise you won't be disappointed! Charles Reilly truly has a story to tell and until the entire world reads "Shenanigan" then, and only then will you embrace this man's tour-de-force.