A Hard Decision

A HARD DECISION, by Westley Thomas, comes highly recommended for all to read. It is based on life during the Vietnam Era in a suburban style community in New York City. The author, himself, a Marine Veteran has used some of his own military and life experiences to write this book. It is not only about a love triangle but a story filled with episodes in reference to the Vietnam War. The main characters William and Zera were childhood sweethearts who married after High School. That’s when the joy in their lives ended, which is so true when young men and women go off to war. They leave home to serve their country, and when they return home to stateside their communities, lifestyles, and everything has changed. Unfortunately, not just these things have changed but also the war has changed those who come home. William and Zera’s lives were up rooted and changed forever. When she received the news of his death, nothing could repair the pain she felt. In real life situations, you never want to be the person answering your doorbell and finding the police or military personnel standing there, waiting to speak to you. After many years passed Zera is remarried. One day her phone rings and, again, there is a knock on the door. When Zera opens the door, yes, who should be standing there but William! He wanted to see their child, the one who was born after he left to go fight in the war. She couldn’t believe it. Neither could her current husband, Steve. Steve was also a Vietnam veteran who actually served in the Air Force, with William when they were stationed in Da Nang. This book combines love, war, loss, family, friendship, death, and all of the elements of daily life that anyone could humanly experience. Zera’s pregnancy and losing her baby is another element of the story that has not been discussed. Sometimes we forget about, what is called, “the stress and strain” associated with our day to day activities. Her emotional stability and worrying about her husband was more than she could handle at that time. When she received the news that her husband had been killed in Vietnam, it resulted in her miscarriage. For any woman who has experienced this trauma, one can attest to the fact that it takes a long time to heal the pain. Even as the doctor stated to Zera in his dialogue, the message was not to give up HOPE. The lessons that we learn from this book about LIFE are phenomenal. William desperately wanted, as though he thought, his family back and he was willing to do everything in his power to fulfill his wish. He returned to Zera’s apartment ready to use whatever tactics possible. His intention was to disrupt and break up Zera and Steve’s marriage. Being shrewd and in front of Zera, William even confronted Steve with questions about his sexuality. To Zera’s surprise, Steve did confess, there had been some issues that he had not discussed with her prior to their marriage. Zera is caught in a rage between two men. So, who does Zera choose? The book gives you an insight on the lives of those who go off to fight and defend our country, plus an insight on the lives of those they leave behind. Author Westley Thomas is to be commended for presenting his two-act play in a format in which every reader will be able to identify with both the believable characters and the sensitive plot. His undeniable understanding of human nature, and what makes people do the things they do, adds vision and honesty to the work. Mr. Thomas’ talent for dialogue and his tribute to the spirit and strength of every human being are only part of the reason this book is worthwhile reading as well as a learning experience about humanity. Last, but not least, find out what shocking conclusion the author keeps hidden until the very end. It’s all contained within the pages of the book. A HARD DECISION, by Westley Thomas, comes highly recommended for all.