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Son at the Front: A Historical Novel That Explores the Brutalities of War and the Power of Family

Keith Cox

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Published in A Son At The Front: Historical Novel

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Son At The Front: A Historical Novel A Son At The Front: Historical Novel

Son at the Front is a historical novel by John Marsden that tells the story of a young Australian soldier named Dan Kelly who is sent to fight in the Vietnam War. The novel follows Dan as he experiences the horrors of war firsthand and struggles to come to terms with the violence and brutality that he witnesses.

A Son at the Front: Historical Novel

by Edith Wharton

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2256 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	177 pages

Son at the Front is a powerful and moving novel that explores the devastating impact of war on both individuals and families. The novel is also a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of love and hope.

Plot Summary

The novel opens with Dan Kelly receiving his draft notice for the Vietnam War. Dan is a reluctant soldier, but he knows that he has no choice but to go. He says goodbye to his family and friends and boards a plane for Vietnam.

When Dan arrives in Vietnam, he is immediately confronted by the horrors of war. He sees dead bodies, mutilated soldiers, and villages that have been destroyed. Dan is also forced to kill for the first time, and the experience leaves him deeply traumatized.

As the war drags on, Dan becomes increasingly disillusioned with the fighting. He sees that the war is not about fighting for freedom or democracy, but about power and control. Dan also begins to question the morality of the war, and he wonders if he is fighting for the right side.

Despite the horrors that he has witnessed, Dan never gives up hope. He clings to the belief that he will one day return home to his family. Dan's hope is what keeps him going, and it is what ultimately saves him from the darkness of war.

Characters

Dan Kelly: The protagonist of the novel, Dan is a young Australian soldier who is sent to fight in the Vietnam War. Dan is a reluctant soldier, but he knows that he has no choice but to go. He is a kind and compassionate person, and he is deeply affected by the horrors of war.

Cathy Kelly: Dan's wife, Cathy is a strong and supportive woman. She is worried about Dan, but she knows that he will return home to her. Cathy is a symbol of hope and love, and she helps Dan to keep going during the darkest days of the war.

Ian Kelly: Dan's father, Ian is a war veteran who fought in World War II. Ian is a strong and stoic man, but he is also haunted by the memories of war. Ian is a complex character, and he represents both the horrors of war and the power of hope.

Hoang: A Vietnamese villager who befriends Dan, Hoang is a kind and gentle man. He is a victim of the war, but he never loses his hope for the future. Hoang is a symbol of the resilience of the human spirit, and he helps Dan to see the beauty in the midst of the darkness.

Themes

The brutality of war: Son at the Front is a unflinching look at the horrors of war. The novel depicts the physical and psychological damage that war inflicts on soldiers and civilians alike. Marsden does not shy away from the violence and brutality of war, and he shows the reader the true cost of war.

The power of family: Family is a central theme in Son at the Front. The novel shows how family can provide strength and support during difficult times. Dan's family is always there for him, and they help him to keep going during the darkest days of the war.

The power of hope: Hope is another important theme in Son at the Front. The novel shows how hope can sustain people even in the darkest of times. Dan never gives up hope that he will one day return home to his family. His hope is what keeps him going, and it is what ultimately saves him from the darkness of war.

Critical Reception

Son at the Front has been praised by critics for its realism, its unflinching look at the horrors of war, and its powerful message of hope. The novel has won numerous awards, including the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award and the American Library Association's Michael L. Printz Award.

Son at the Front is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the true cost of war. The novel is a powerful and moving story that will stay with readers long after they finish reading it.

A young Australian soldier named Dan Kelly is sent to fight in the Vietnam War. He experiences the horrors of war firsthand and struggles to come to terms with the violence and brutality that he witnesses.