MWSA Review
Author Dennis Baker has told a beautiful, but sometimes difficult to reflect upon, story about the impact of war. No matter the particular service to our country, whether actively participating in the military, or becoming a part of it due to a family member’s service, all are affected. I believe that Restless Hearts goes to the heart of service. The subtitle of the story, What if Fallen Heroes Could Go Home?presents an interesting question and Dennis Baker allows that to be the case through this story. He also draws on earlier national heroes to provide the support needed for the completion of a failed mission. We each need to discover from where we can draw our strength for the “missions” we face each day.
Just what can we learn from those who have gone before us? Do we pay attention to how our loved ones have been affected by military service? Or do we pretend that it never happened? Time heals all wounds, but does it really? Service, whether during wartime or not, changes people. Sometimes for the better but, not always. This book might just be the catalyst for a family discussion that could begin to heal some wounds.
Reviewed by: Joyce Gilmour (2014)