Sign in with Facebook
51st out of 134 books
—
86 voters
Prayer at Rumayla: A Novel of the Gulf War
by
Charles Sheehan-Miles (Goodreads Author)
In the spring of 1991, nineteen-year-old Chet Brown arrived home from the Gulf War. Yellow ribbons were everywhere, families were reunited, and the nation breathed a sigh of relief at the quick and painless victory over Iraqi forces.
But for Chet Brown, that victory was neither painless nor easy. Troubled by rage he can't explain and nightmares he can't stop, he finds himse...more
But for Chet Brown, that victory was neither painless nor easy. Troubled by rage he can't explain and nightmares he can't stop, he finds himse...more
Paperback, 196 pages
Published
April 1st 2007
by Cincinnatus Press
(first published September 1st 2001)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
273)
It took me a long time to get into this book, probably because it is not the subject matter that I would normally pick. I am very aware have much of yourself you must have put into this story Charles so I just want to say. You got me in the end - about the time Chet drops down the turret "Nice and comfy, no bullshit" That was the point that I started to care. From then on in I was hooked! Great ending and so pleased he got Biggs (bastard had it coming) I see I was reading an uncorrected version...more
This was a thoroughly depressing book.
But
I guess that if you are a veteran trying to explain your personal war then it is going to be depressing.
But
I guess that if you are a veteran trying to explain your personal war then it is going to be depressing.
Charles Sheehan-Miles, Prayer at Rumayla (Xlibris, 2001)
I had some trepidations before cracking the cover on this one; with a very few notable exceptions, I've never been much of one for war novels, which tend to either fall into the knee-jerk anti-war camp or the "sis-boom-bah rah-rah-rah" camp. Prayer at Rumayla leans towards the left side of the division, but prefers to let the images and events therein do its preaching, which already puts Sheehan-Miles ahead of 95% of the pack. Despite the b...more
I had some trepidations before cracking the cover on this one; with a very few notable exceptions, I've never been much of one for war novels, which tend to either fall into the knee-jerk anti-war camp or the "sis-boom-bah rah-rah-rah" camp. Prayer at Rumayla leans towards the left side of the division, but prefers to let the images and events therein do its preaching, which already puts Sheehan-Miles ahead of 95% of the pack. Despite the b...more
Feb 24, 2013
Gail Smyth
added it
Wow! I finished this book in two days. I know a lot of guys don't want to talk about times they spent engaged in battle. For me this book brought home some of the horrors of war but more importantly the book exhibits some of the residual effects a war can have on those who fight and survive. I found it interesting that the author penned some of it in his tank while it was vivid in his mind. War is hell far beyond the time the fighting ends.
Mar 15, 2011
Mike Swanson
is currently reading it
I just finished reading Republic: A Novel of America's Future. I really enjoyed that book and decided to read the author's first novel. The Kindle version of both books is currently available on Amazon for only $.99. Republic was worth paying full price, so I am looking forward to reading Prayer at Rumayla!
Kevin Powers may get mad props for The Yellow Birds, but this first novel from Charles Sheehan-Miles has a far more engaging voice that pulls you in. You live through the pages, feeling the good, bad, and asinine that is modern warfare.
All I can say is: I was there, I get it, thank you and welcome home! Should be must reading for everyone who thinks they know what veterans endure.
1 like · like · see review
This book will stay with me for a long time.
Heartbreaking
3.5 stars
Apr 11, 2013
Shelley Hoerauf
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
april-2013-posted-unk-purchase-date
Apr 05, 2013
Connie
marked it as to-read
Mar 27, 2013
The Book Bellas
marked it as to-read
Mar 16, 2013
Brevemike
marked it as to-read
Mar 09, 2013
Jennifer
marked it as to-read
Mar 09, 2013
Michelle
marked it as to-read
Mar 09, 2013
Bobby J
marked it as to-read
Mar 09, 2013
Scott
marked it as to-read
Mar 09, 2013
Debra Lebarron
marked it as to-read
Mar 09, 2013
Diane
marked it as to-read
Mar 09, 2013
Sam Racioppo
marked it as to-read
Mar 09, 2013
Dominic
marked it as to-read
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Charles has been a soldier, nonprofit executive, short order cook, IT manager and run a restaurant. He doesn't believe in specialization. He currently works as a communications and outreach specialist for a law firm representing disabled veterans. Charles lives in Bethesda, Maryland.
More about Charles Sheehan-Miles...
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
Sep 14, 2011 09:31am