Casualties
by Elizabeth Marro is a very powerful and heart wrenching
novel. With war at the core of the theme it is a reminder
how those serving and their families have sacrificed. There
are also other themes of abandonment, prioritizing, loss,
and recovery. Although this is her first book the well-developed
story and characters make it appear that Marro is a seasoned
author.
Considering herself, just a "civilian," she noted,
"I am one of 99% of Americans relying on 1% of my fellow
citizens to defend this country. I felt my biggest responsibility
is to portray Robbie, a Marine who commits suicide, accurately.
I did a lot of research and was humbled by the stories of
veterans and families who struggled and continue to struggle
with the aftermath of our most recent wars. It mattered a
great deal for me to try to understand all the emotional aspects."
Shortly after the book begins the main character, Ruth Nolan,
experiences a terrible loss, a parent's worse nightmare, having
a child die. But the loss is even more impactful because her
son commits suicide while she is handling an emergency at
work. Trying to escape the guilt Ruth packs up his ashes and
decides to leave her past demons behind. She is helped with
facing up to her past choices by a former soldier, Casey MacInerney,
whom she meets under dubious circumstances. They agree to
go on a cross-country journey together, both figuratively
and literally. Their emotional survival depends on trusting
each other, helping each other soul search as they attempt
to make amends.
Marro noted, "I knew that Ruth needed someone to help
her find her way, and it couldn't be anyone from her past
world. Casey arrived unexpectedly. They both examine what
would happen if they altered just one of their decisions.
If you go on that road and damage has been done, how do you
pick up, get back on your feet, and keep on going. They both
struggle to take responsibility for their actions. I wanted
this story to be driven by the characters. If I know whom
these people are I can figure out where the plot needs to
go so it does not appear artificial. This is definitely a
character driven plot."
In many ways Casey and Ruth are kindred spirits. Both are
lonely, feel isolated, are affected by war, and must learn
how to deal with grief. They let down those close to them
and realize what their priorities should have been after the
fact. The question of when does work come before family and
how should both be balanced are themes throughout the book.
Although Casualties is not a happily-ever-after story,
it is very thought provoking. It examines such important societal
issues as when to prioritize family over career, war veterans
having suicidal thoughts, PTSD, and how to manage and overcome
guilt to move on with one's life. As the story progresses
readers will sympathize and root with these realistic characters.
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