Book Blurb:
...a continuation and sequel to Canary and the Mothman; Canary Amongst the Covey chronicles the events in Jesse's life as he travels abroad for his tour of duty in the United States Army, 1st Infantry division aka, The Big Red One. Join him and his comrades as they attempt to liberate the Viet Cong stronghold known as the Iron Triangle, near Saigon, Vietnam. Find out if Jesse, aka Canary, obtains the answers to those questions asked during his youth. Find out if he comes to terms with the abuse suffered during his childhood. Find out if he will survive and live to see another Dawn.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/0dAtq0
Editorial Review:
“Covey 3, this is Covey Leader, come in Covey 3…. C
ovey 3, this is Covey Leader, come in Covey 3….”
Some one hundred fifty yards beyond the berm perimeter that surrounds Jesse’s Fire Support Base, and only seventy-five yards from the tree line that most likely shrouds the enemy, Jesse lies in a shallow fox hole as the hot Vietnamese sun beats down upon his skin. Flies buzz around his head, landing periodically, only to walk undisturbed across his brow. Then, as the green two-way radio crackles to life, the flies take flight briefly only to land once more.
“Covey 3, COME IN Covey 3…. ”
“Hey, Sarge, he’s not answering. You want me to inform Loft?”
“No. Go get that dumb, hillbilly, son-of-a-bitch and bring him to me.”
This sequence of events re-occurs and worsens with each move. Due north of Saigon lies the Iron Triangle, an area particularly robust with enemy activity. The 7th Light Artillery, a division of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division, is tasked with defensive fire support using their lethal 105mm Howitzers. The objective: Provide defensive protection to other U.S. troops attempting to infiltrate and eliminate the enemy stronghold. Offensively, the fire support they provide keeps the enemy at bay. However, their best defense is to move every two to three days so the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong guerrillas cannot compromise a stationary position. This constant movement, while necessary, keeps Jesse and his fellow comrades fatigued and exhausted.
Jesse, fondly known as the Canary, is the beating heart of Emory Moon's captivating sequel, "Canary Amongst the Covey." As a continuation of "Canary and the Mothman", this narrative escorts readers through the intricate, often heart-rending terrain of Jesse's experiences during his tour of duty in Vietnam. But more than just a war novel, it is a tale of resilience, introspection, and redemption.
The compelling storyline will draw you in from the first pages. Moon intricately weaves the traumatic challenges Jesse faces in Vietnam with his personal journey of self-discovery. Excerpt: "Each step in the Iron Triangle brought forth memories of a past life - a life where battles were fought not just against an enemy but also within oneself."
The narrative begins compellingly, drawing readers into Jesse's world. Excerpt: "Dawn broke, painting the skies with hues of orange and red. But for Jesse, the sunrise signified more than just a new day; it symbolized hope in the midst of chaos."
There were some occasional grammar missteps, and the use of different font families was different, but over all the narrative is well-edited and immersive. The font changes, rather than being a distraction, could be seen as an artistic expression, a glimpse into the protagonist's fluctuating mental state.
Moon has mastered the art of character evolution. Jesse’s transformation, shaped by the dual forces of wartime conflict and personal introspection, is profound. An excerpt: "The boy who once sought answers to childhood questions now finds himself questioning the very fabric of existence amidst the cacophony of war."
The book maintains an impeccable flow throughout the narrative. Past and present are intertwined without feeling forced, and characters' decisions remain consistent with their motivations.
I had never ridden on an airplane in my entire life. This was the first of many airborne voyages for me, and at first, I was excited to the point of exuberance. We began boarding that morning sharply at nine, and, before I knew it, the large military transport was touching down in Oklahoma. Just as ordered, I reported to my Commanding Officer not less than twenty-four hours after arrival.
I obtained from him my allotment, barrack assignment and duty roster, and during this strictly military directive, my mind wandered as so often it did in these types of situations. My mind raced from one subject to the next, always fixed upon the past and never the future, and later on in life I would realize this to be my biggest fault.
Without giving away any spoilers, the conclusion to "Canary Amongst the Covey" is both poignant and contemplative. While some readers wished for more resolution, the lingering questions mirror the very essence of life's unpredictability.
Moon's story stands out not just as a war novel, but as a profound exploration of the human spirit. It's rare to find a book that delves so deeply into the psyche of its protagonist while set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Vietnam War.
That morning, upon checking the mail, I would find the current edition of Crossword Monthly in my box along with numerous bills marked either ‘LATE’ or ‘FINAL NOTICE.’ And as usual, I disregarded the bills, opened a bottle of my favorite brew and settled down upon the sofa with the magazine and a freshly sharpened number two pencil while Vanessa talked on the phone.
One down, a five-letter word for CAT; that’s easy, I thought to myself as I entered the answer F-E-L-I-N-E into the vertically aligned boxes. Next, I read three across, seven-letter word, Dark avian song hint; Beatles 1968 release. A little tougher I thought, but no match for a fan of the Fab Four, so I quickly penciled in the answer B-L-A-C-K-B-I-R-D.
With poetic prose and vivid imagery, Moon’s writing captures the essence of each moment. It was an entertaining and smooth read with an editing that we will all do well to respect.
The rain in Saigon wasn't just water; it carried with it the weight of unspoken words, memories best forgotten, and the ever-present specter of mortality.
From the initial chapters to the evocative climax, the story progresses naturally, maintaining a delicate balance between action and introspection.
"Canary Amongst the Covey" is more than just a sequel; it's a testimony to the indomitable human spirit's ability to rise above adversity. Whether or not one has read the first installment, Emory Moon's tale is undeniably worth the time, offering readers a nuanced exploration of love, family, and survival against all odds. Highly recommended.
*****
“Canary Amongst the Covey” by Emory Moon receives four stars from The Historical Fiction Company
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