The Sweet War Man: A Novel [Hardcover]

Paul Barcelo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 4, 2009

As Second Lieutenant RANDY THAYER begins his Army training, ANDREA TREMBLAY is willing to accept him as a soldier, but doesn't want him to go to war. Randy seeks the answer to why men follow the profession of arms. In seeking this quest, he has chosen to be one of the new charioteers, a rotary wing pilot in the war known as the Helicopter War, Vietnam. To keep him from her own fears of war, Andrea tries to enlist his support in a climb to power in her father's industrial company. Can the security of luxury entice Randy from his middle class background? Each faces different challenges, which slowly begins to pull them apart. Can their relationship survive? Randy is caught in the Army's downsizing from the fading war. Andrea, aligned with her father, faces challenges of introducing new products into the conservative Tremblay family, entrenched in their stagnant interests. FAITH BECKWERTH, the neighborhood girl, vies for Randy's affection with an iron-willed determination. She supports his beliefs, listens to him, and supports him in his times of fear and need. Yet, Randy is still drawn to Andrea, and the physical pleasure of their love.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 340 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse.com (February 4, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1440119937
• ISBN-13: 978-1440119934
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,005,208 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Connie Harris- TCM Reviews, October 16, 2009

By 

TCM Reviews - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sweet War Man: A Novel (Paperback)

The Sweet War Man is the story of Randy Thayer. He joined the army so that he could fly, even though he knows it will send him to war. His girlfriend Andrea does not want him to go to war, so after college, they break up. However, just before he leaves for his training, she shows up at his door. Andrea starts to work for her father and hopes that she can convince Randy to join her. All through his training, she talks to him about the business, trying to get him interested. She will not talk about the army. Randy's friend from down the street, Faith, is very interested in the army. She listens closely to him and asks many questions. Soon, Randy finds himself torn between his childhood friend and the girl he loves.

The Sweet War Man by Paul Barcelo is a very compelling novel. Very technical about the army, it pulls you into the characters. You feel for Randy who really loves Andrea but can't convince her that he really wants to be in the army. Readers will also feel for Faith, who simply loves Randy and is just like a sister to him. Readers will want to fly through the pages to find out what happens between Randy, Andrea, and Faith. I definitely could not wait to find out what happens to the characters.

5.0 out of 5 stars An intriguing story emerges, September 9, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sweet War Man: A Novel (Paperback)

Duty to one's love and duty to one's country are things held in equal esteem to many. "The Sweet War Man" is a love triangle between an army man, his beloved who hates war, and a third woman who is more understanding of the soldier's duty. Randy is split between loyalties, and can't decide what's right. An intriguing story emerges.