Ward Just (1935–2019)

Another quiet, beautifully written tale of "moral ambiguity" from Ward Just about life and politics in the nation's capital with forays to Eastern Europe through several characters. While not as suspenseful as others of the author's books, I found the book compelling as the aging photographer protagonist contemplates his life and his accomplishments. Equally interesting are the well-drawn characters of his ex-wife and her father, a Czech dissident soldier who appears late in the story but captivates the characters and the reader.… (more)

Stringer is a Civilian Intelligence Agent sent on a mission to Vietnam to destroy an enemy supply convoy. He has a sly sense of humor. When paired with a Captain named Price, Stringer must practice patience. Price is younger, more impulsive, yet in charge. There is no casual conversation between the two men. Neither has confidence in the other. They are on the same team but distrust keeps them miles apart. To keep himself from thinking too much about Price, Stringer recalls his failures: his marriage, their visit to a classmate in a mental institution, Stringer's short time as a newspaper man. These recollections keep him on task in the present. Ever present is Just's commentary on the damage of war.… (more)