Home Front by Kristin Hannah was about the war in Iraq from the viewpoint of a woman soldier, a protagonist that is not often written about. “Like many couples, Michael and Jolene Zarkades have to face the pressures of everyday life—children, careers, bills, chores—even as their twelve-year marriage is falling apart. Then an unexpected deployment sends Jolene deep into harm’s way and leaves defense attorney Michael at home, unaccustomed to being a single parent to their two girls. As a mother, it agonizes Jolene to leave her family, but as a solider she has always understood the true meaning of duty. In her letters home, she paints a rose-colored version of her life on the front lines, shielding her family from the truth. But war will change Jolene in ways that none of them could have foreseen. When tragedy strikes, Michael must face his darkest fear and fight a battle of his own—for everything that matters to his family.” When Jolene leaves for war, Michael has to take over her role in the home, a move that allows him to see her differently and understand her better. Sadly, Michael has allowed Jolene to leave after he has said hurtful things to her. He has to work to explain his newly discovered appreciation of his wife, and the changes forced upon Jolene due to war make this even more difficult for him. This book gives a look at what the war in Iraq is like, as well as an insight into military families that was unknown to me previously.
Have you read this book? If so, what did you think?