A Soldier's Wish by N.R. Walker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I honestly went into this one not knowing if I'd love it, but it was unbelievable. The love was so simple, yet perfect. Beyond expectation.

It's 1969 and Gary and his friends are driving to Woodstock. They stop at a diner for breakfast and Gary sees Richard sitting alone, staring out the window. Unable to help himself, he chats him up and invites him along. Richard is leaving for Vietnam in a couple of days and this is his last moments to do all of the things he never got to do.

The book is divided into three parts: the days spent at Woodstock, the letters back and forth from Vietnam, and finally, when Richard returns home, wounded.

N.R. Walker is a skillful writer and this book was done so well. She somehow incorporated so many issues into this story. There was the whole gay being against the law, virginity, soldiers going to war, protesters, draft dodgers, returning veterans, wounded veterans, etc. It was all tackled so brilliantly.

The love that was obvious between Gary and Richard was epic. I loved their relationship, I loved their friendship with Kat.

A very satisfying holiday read. Everything you would expect from N.R. Walker.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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