Reviewed by Larry

A vet stares into the absorbing blackness of the Vietnam Memorial and is overwhelmed with horror, guilt, and realization. The suppressed memories of his time in Vietnam come flooding back to him complete with the sights, sounds and feels of the moment. Staring into the black marble, he can not hide from the truth. The truth of a glory seeking man who volunteers for action while caring around the memory of a decorated grandfather. The truth of who the real heroes are.

The transitions in this story between the present and the past are silky and almost seamless. Artful. Like a reflection in black marble. The authors skill also extends to the ability to build suspense. The boat scene is great.

But (there is always a but with me, isn't there?), this story is very slow to peak interest. I would suggest not starting this story with the character's boyhood recollections of his grandfather, but instead condensing, (removing the unnecessary detail of setting), and insert these important memories at some other point in the story. Also, the author regrettably lapses into an unnecessary explanation of his own story in the last few pages. This detracts woefully from a carefully constructed story whose point is already crystal clear, and colorfully delivered.