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Look Not Unto the Morrow
In Look Not Unto the Morrow, innocence shattered and ultimate redemption are portrayed against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and the turbulent sixties. The story follows the lives of three young people as they experience love and war. Roger Gaines is the promising young college student, drafted into the army and traumatized by his experiences in basic training and Vietnam. Pam Wentworth is the loving girlfriend he leaves behind, who evolves from naive college student, to political activist, to radical anarchist. Michelle Healy is the young woman Roger meets when he returns home, who loves him unconditionally when he can no longer love himself.
308 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
410 people want to read
About the author
Robert Fantina
15 books12 followersAlthough I've written a couple of business books, my passion is human rights. My latest book is entitled 'Essays on Palestine.'
I grew up in New Jersey, lived briefly in Florida, and then moved to Canada following the 2004 presidential election. I first moved to Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory, and after about three years there, moved to Ontario, where I now live.
My wife and I have one incredible son, an RM, graduate of BYU and married in the Toronto Temple. I'm an active, dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (a convert of many years; I was raised Catholic), and my novel, 'My Burden is Light,' is an LDS-themed story.
My second novel, 'Look Not Unto the Morrow,' is a Vietnam-era, anti-war love story. It was published in December of 2012.
One of my favorite authors is Jane Austen. I greatly enjoy reading fiction, although I read and write both fiction and non-fiction.
I grew up in New Jersey, lived briefly in Florida, and then moved to Canada following the 2004 presidential election. I first moved to Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory, and after about three years there, moved to Ontario, where I now live.
My wife and I have one incredible son, an RM, graduate of BYU and married in the Toronto Temple. I'm an active, dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (a convert of many years; I was raised Catholic), and my novel, 'My Burden is Light,' is an LDS-themed story.
My second novel, 'Look Not Unto the Morrow,' is a Vietnam-era, anti-war love story. It was published in December of 2012.
One of my favorite authors is Jane Austen. I greatly enjoy reading fiction, although I read and write both fiction and non-fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 29, 2014
"Look Not Unto the Morrow" by Robert Fantina which I won through Goodreads Giveaways is a gripping, emotionally-charged story of shattered dreams and lost love set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and the anti-war protest movement in the United States. It begins with Roger Gaines and his girlfriend Pam Wentworth, two promising students who are deeply in love and enrolled at Madison University. In the second year of his education Roger is drafted into the army and sent to Vietnam, a horrifying experience that leaves him brutalized, demoralized and dehumanized. Back home Pam, a young woman who knows little about U.S. political policy has nightmares about Roger dying. Instead of wallowing in her fear she learns all she can about Vietnam, its people and the issues underlying the war, evolving from a naive college student into a radical anarchist wanted by the FBI.
When Roger returns home suffering from post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) only drinking at seedy bars and sexual release from prostitutes brings temporary relief from the demons that haunt him. Wanting some semblance of normalcy in his life, unable to commit to further education and spurred on by a strong independent streak, Roger applies for a security job where he meets Michelle Healy a college student who falls in love with him. Given unconditionally, Michelle's love begins to heal Roger's scars, but each will have to determine if it's enough to bridge the grief they'll suffer in future.
Much of the plot is written from the dual perspectives of Roger and Pam neither having any prior knowledge of U.S. foreign policy until the Vietnam war rips their lives apart. With gritty realism Robert Fantina paints a horrific image of war as Roger obediently follows orders subjugating his honour, ethics and humanity in the anguish of killing. Not only does he give voice to the atrocities against innocent victims but also to the catastrophic damage of Agent Orange which will have serious implications in Roger's future. Juxtaposed against Roger's struggle in the jungles of Vietnam is Pam's war against the unjust policy of a government whose action is not about freedom from oppression as it was in WWII, but is linked to corporate profit. Fuelled by anger and bitterness, she takes a step beyond that of a conscientious objector to become a fanatical radical whose unlawful methods mean a prison sentence. Slow at first as the author gives insight into the lives of the two main characters, the momentum of the story quickly changes as the plot reverberates with spellbinding intensity when death stalks Roger in combat, and Pam unleashes pandemonium that causes damage and multiple casualties. Yet for all the violence, chaos and death, the story resounds with unconditional love, deliverance, compassion and mercy.
The characters are well-developed and unforgettable in all their complexity, adding drama and power to the plot. Roger Gaines is a young man of integrity whose spirit and humanity died with his friend Jeff McWilliams. On his return home he's inundated with feelings of sadness, loneliness, emptiness and self-loathing, fearing rejection for the slaughter he contributed to. On leaving home for University Pam Wentworth is warm, intelligent and loving, but with time and the escalation of the conflict in Vietnam becomes emotionally conflicted, bitter and full of hatred. Although committed to Roger she easily gives him up for another man and her cause, her love transient and without substance. In contrast Michelle Healy a clever, kind-hearted college student loves him unconditionally, bringing Roger the hope and devotion he thought he'd lost. Michelle is the only character I thought was unrealistic, her love for her taciturn and overly quiet fellow worker too sudden.
"Look Not Unto the Morrow" is a fascinating novel with a surprising ending. I couldn't put it down and highly commend Robert Fantina for a brilliant piece of fiction that definitely gives food for thought when war still exists today because mankind hasn't learned from the tragic lessons of the past.
When Roger returns home suffering from post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) only drinking at seedy bars and sexual release from prostitutes brings temporary relief from the demons that haunt him. Wanting some semblance of normalcy in his life, unable to commit to further education and spurred on by a strong independent streak, Roger applies for a security job where he meets Michelle Healy a college student who falls in love with him. Given unconditionally, Michelle's love begins to heal Roger's scars, but each will have to determine if it's enough to bridge the grief they'll suffer in future.
Much of the plot is written from the dual perspectives of Roger and Pam neither having any prior knowledge of U.S. foreign policy until the Vietnam war rips their lives apart. With gritty realism Robert Fantina paints a horrific image of war as Roger obediently follows orders subjugating his honour, ethics and humanity in the anguish of killing. Not only does he give voice to the atrocities against innocent victims but also to the catastrophic damage of Agent Orange which will have serious implications in Roger's future. Juxtaposed against Roger's struggle in the jungles of Vietnam is Pam's war against the unjust policy of a government whose action is not about freedom from oppression as it was in WWII, but is linked to corporate profit. Fuelled by anger and bitterness, she takes a step beyond that of a conscientious objector to become a fanatical radical whose unlawful methods mean a prison sentence. Slow at first as the author gives insight into the lives of the two main characters, the momentum of the story quickly changes as the plot reverberates with spellbinding intensity when death stalks Roger in combat, and Pam unleashes pandemonium that causes damage and multiple casualties. Yet for all the violence, chaos and death, the story resounds with unconditional love, deliverance, compassion and mercy.
The characters are well-developed and unforgettable in all their complexity, adding drama and power to the plot. Roger Gaines is a young man of integrity whose spirit and humanity died with his friend Jeff McWilliams. On his return home he's inundated with feelings of sadness, loneliness, emptiness and self-loathing, fearing rejection for the slaughter he contributed to. On leaving home for University Pam Wentworth is warm, intelligent and loving, but with time and the escalation of the conflict in Vietnam becomes emotionally conflicted, bitter and full of hatred. Although committed to Roger she easily gives him up for another man and her cause, her love transient and without substance. In contrast Michelle Healy a clever, kind-hearted college student loves him unconditionally, bringing Roger the hope and devotion he thought he'd lost. Michelle is the only character I thought was unrealistic, her love for her taciturn and overly quiet fellow worker too sudden.
"Look Not Unto the Morrow" is a fascinating novel with a surprising ending. I couldn't put it down and highly commend Robert Fantina for a brilliant piece of fiction that definitely gives food for thought when war still exists today because mankind hasn't learned from the tragic lessons of the past.
September 2, 2014
I can honestly say I truly enjoyed Look Not Unto the Morrow. I was born in 1966 and wanted to read how life was like in the 60s. I was able to envision life and how the war changed everyone. It's like I was there and living it. I enjoyed where Pam changed from the sweet college girl to the hard core protester against the war. It was a really good read. I am so glad I was able to win this book from Goodreads and I honestly think I would have picked it up at any bookstore and read it. I will highly recommend this to the men in my life who will definitely enjoy it and to all who would like to read a love story that is changed because of the Vietnam War.
June 3, 2013
Look Not unto the Morrow is a novel that deals with the consequences of war and the people caught in its senseless horror. Set in the late 1960s during the height of the Vietnam War and the resulting campus unrest, the story revolves around Roger and Pam, two innocent college students whose amorous bliss is shattered when Roger gets drafted to the Vietnam War. Slowly, we see changes taking place in the psyche of these two sympathetic lovers. Roger's reaction is one of stunned realization that he should have done something more to avoid the draft (as his brother Paul told him to do) and later in the jungles of Vietnam, helpless resignation to the senseless carnage happening around him. He is guilt ridden by the atrocities he has been forced to do, but finds no way out of his predicament.
On Pam's part, anger at the U.S government for what she deems an unjust war (and its resulting disruption of her anticipated white picket fence life with Roger), changes her in a huge way. In a slow simmering build up, she morphs from an innocent college coed (whose sole wish is to marry Roger) to an angry extremist anti-war radical. Her rage is such that she will do anything to make her voice heard including resorting to violence, robbery, and planting fertilizer bombs in ROTC buildings and government installations. Yet, the change in her is completely believable, as is the change in Roger when he returns from the war shell-shocked, disillusioned, and unable to cope with society.
The beginning may seem overly lengthy as Roger and Pam's blissful life on campus is developed, but I think this is necessary so that we, the readers, can see the stark juxtaposition between this peaceful existence and the horrors that would later follow. The narrative sometimes veer toward preachiness, especially on Roger's part. It would have been better if the "lessons of war" are more nuanced, with the reader discovering the insights themselves instead of being told. Nonetheless, this issue does not take away from the absorbing quality of the book. Look Not unto the Morrow is a serious novel with deep insights about human nature and society, which makes it an important book. With its vivid character development, it is an engrossing novel with dark epiphanies about war and its consequences. The star-crossed love affair between Roger and Pam is heart wrenching and adds another layer to the story.
I totally recommend this book to anyone who would like to vicariously experience that turbulent era in American life or simply to anyone who wants to read a good book and learn something about human nature in the process. Four huge stars for Look Not Unto the Morrow.
On Pam's part, anger at the U.S government for what she deems an unjust war (and its resulting disruption of her anticipated white picket fence life with Roger), changes her in a huge way. In a slow simmering build up, she morphs from an innocent college coed (whose sole wish is to marry Roger) to an angry extremist anti-war radical. Her rage is such that she will do anything to make her voice heard including resorting to violence, robbery, and planting fertilizer bombs in ROTC buildings and government installations. Yet, the change in her is completely believable, as is the change in Roger when he returns from the war shell-shocked, disillusioned, and unable to cope with society.
The beginning may seem overly lengthy as Roger and Pam's blissful life on campus is developed, but I think this is necessary so that we, the readers, can see the stark juxtaposition between this peaceful existence and the horrors that would later follow. The narrative sometimes veer toward preachiness, especially on Roger's part. It would have been better if the "lessons of war" are more nuanced, with the reader discovering the insights themselves instead of being told. Nonetheless, this issue does not take away from the absorbing quality of the book. Look Not unto the Morrow is a serious novel with deep insights about human nature and society, which makes it an important book. With its vivid character development, it is an engrossing novel with dark epiphanies about war and its consequences. The star-crossed love affair between Roger and Pam is heart wrenching and adds another layer to the story.
I totally recommend this book to anyone who would like to vicariously experience that turbulent era in American life or simply to anyone who wants to read a good book and learn something about human nature in the process. Four huge stars for Look Not Unto the Morrow.
August 5, 2013
Coming of age in the 1960s, I could easily relate to this realistic tale of a college kid turned soldier during the Vietnam War (Note: Technically it wasn’t a war; in every other way, it certainly was). The aftermath of the war was--and continues to be--horrific. We, as a society, have been too willing to sweep those experiences under the carpet and it takes a brave author like Fantina to remind us of the atrocities our young men and women caused and suffered.
Roger Gaines, a promising young college student, is drafted into the army and sent to Vietnam. Wanting to do his duty to his country, he follows orders for as long as he can. After he is honorably discharged, he finds his way home, not knowing how to put the shattered pieces of his life back in order. Pam Wentworth, his high school sweetheart, begins to study the Vietnam War as a way to understand what her fiance was going through. Caught up in the events of Chicago in 1968, her protests to the war turn violent and reach a point of no return.
There is much of Fantina’s work that is a cliché--high school sweethearts driven apart by war, each caught up in forces beyond their control. But Fantina’s strength is his gripping and horrifying glimpse of war from the perspective of a naïve and ordinary young man of the time and the long road of recovery he faced. That part of it was so good I had to read it twice.
Fantina’s treatment of Pam was not as good, but it’s a rare male author who can write believable female characters (and vice versa). That didn’t stop me from imagining her very clearly, however.
I recommend this book to everyone--both those who were alive during the Vietnam War (it’s guaranteed to bring back memories) and those who weren’t and want to know what it was like. Many comparisons have been written about our current wars and that in Vietnam, but this one shows how utterly different they can be, but how much the same the aftermath is.
Roger Gaines, a promising young college student, is drafted into the army and sent to Vietnam. Wanting to do his duty to his country, he follows orders for as long as he can. After he is honorably discharged, he finds his way home, not knowing how to put the shattered pieces of his life back in order. Pam Wentworth, his high school sweetheart, begins to study the Vietnam War as a way to understand what her fiance was going through. Caught up in the events of Chicago in 1968, her protests to the war turn violent and reach a point of no return.
There is much of Fantina’s work that is a cliché--high school sweethearts driven apart by war, each caught up in forces beyond their control. But Fantina’s strength is his gripping and horrifying glimpse of war from the perspective of a naïve and ordinary young man of the time and the long road of recovery he faced. That part of it was so good I had to read it twice.
Fantina’s treatment of Pam was not as good, but it’s a rare male author who can write believable female characters (and vice versa). That didn’t stop me from imagining her very clearly, however.
I recommend this book to everyone--both those who were alive during the Vietnam War (it’s guaranteed to bring back memories) and those who weren’t and want to know what it was like. Many comparisons have been written about our current wars and that in Vietnam, but this one shows how utterly different they can be, but how much the same the aftermath is.
August 24, 2013
My favourite part of the book, by far, is watching Pamela transition from sweet, all-American girl into a hardened Vietnam War protestor. The details of how the protests escalated were riveting. This is the second third of the book. I was hoping though for at least one scene where Pamela meets Roger when he comes home from the war and she hugs him, and they talk about what happened to their relationship. But, perhaps it is not realistic to expect so. When people do decide to move on because of fundamental changes in their feelings about someone, they are usually brutal about it.
The first one-third and the last one-third of the book were interesting but didn't grab me the way the middle part of the book did. In the first part, Robert and Pamela envision a future together. It was sweet and if it weren't for the knowledge that Robert was heading off to war, I would have wondered where the "happy" part of the book was going. With the horrific spectacle of the Vietnam war coming up as part of the suspense, I agree the first one-third was necessary.
The last one-third was a little puzzling as it is not the usual climax that one expects at the end of a story like this. This is how Roger copes with his post-traumatic stress disorder. Certainly with no experience in war I could never even begin to imagine the terror of what Roger went through. So I agree this part is necessary, to show that war doesn't end when one goes home from the war.
Very thought-provoking book. It is very unique and doesn't fall into either the rah-rah war God Bless us Americans camp nor the "President Johnson / Nixon is a crook" and "all war is evil" camp. Although it definitely leans toward the "war is evil" camp, the Vietnam War itself deserved that label - an useless war that destroyed thousands of lives. It makes you wonder and shake your head at how all this ever happened.
The first one-third and the last one-third of the book were interesting but didn't grab me the way the middle part of the book did. In the first part, Robert and Pamela envision a future together. It was sweet and if it weren't for the knowledge that Robert was heading off to war, I would have wondered where the "happy" part of the book was going. With the horrific spectacle of the Vietnam war coming up as part of the suspense, I agree the first one-third was necessary.
The last one-third was a little puzzling as it is not the usual climax that one expects at the end of a story like this. This is how Roger copes with his post-traumatic stress disorder. Certainly with no experience in war I could never even begin to imagine the terror of what Roger went through. So I agree this part is necessary, to show that war doesn't end when one goes home from the war.
Very thought-provoking book. It is very unique and doesn't fall into either the rah-rah war God Bless us Americans camp nor the "President Johnson / Nixon is a crook" and "all war is evil" camp. Although it definitely leans toward the "war is evil" camp, the Vietnam War itself deserved that label - an useless war that destroyed thousands of lives. It makes you wonder and shake your head at how all this ever happened.
May 27, 2013
Gripping, thrilling and thought provoking, Look Not Unto the Morrow is a page-turner that I started reading over the Memorial Day weekend and simply could not put down.
In it, Mr. Fantina skillfully tells the story of three young people coming of age in the Vietnam War era. We first meet Pamela and Roger, high school sweethearts who have the world at their feet and their future carefully planned out as they enter college together in the late 1960s. At first, both seem blissfully unaware of world affairs, but that quickly changes when Roger is drafted and deployed to Vietnam.
As Roger struggles to cope with his experiences in boot camp and battle, Pamela vows to learn more about the war in an effort to help him. After turning to members of a student-run peace center for answers, she eventually decides to join the group and emerges as a natural leader. When peaceful protest fails to yield any results, however, Pamela takes things to another level and ultimately ends up leading a vicious war against the establishment.
Roger, who learns of her exploits only through letters, returns home to shattered dreams and an uncertain future. For him, the Vietnam War is over, but its effects linger as he fights PTSD and depression. Swearing that he will never love or allow himself to be loved again, he initially searches for solace in a bottle, but eventually finds in in a relationship with Michelle -- a co-worker who won't take "no" for an answer.
At a time when members of America's armed forces are once again returning from unpopular wars on foreign soil, Look Not Unto the Morrow serves as a poignant, searing reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served and their families through the years.
In it, Mr. Fantina skillfully tells the story of three young people coming of age in the Vietnam War era. We first meet Pamela and Roger, high school sweethearts who have the world at their feet and their future carefully planned out as they enter college together in the late 1960s. At first, both seem blissfully unaware of world affairs, but that quickly changes when Roger is drafted and deployed to Vietnam.
As Roger struggles to cope with his experiences in boot camp and battle, Pamela vows to learn more about the war in an effort to help him. After turning to members of a student-run peace center for answers, she eventually decides to join the group and emerges as a natural leader. When peaceful protest fails to yield any results, however, Pamela takes things to another level and ultimately ends up leading a vicious war against the establishment.
Roger, who learns of her exploits only through letters, returns home to shattered dreams and an uncertain future. For him, the Vietnam War is over, but its effects linger as he fights PTSD and depression. Swearing that he will never love or allow himself to be loved again, he initially searches for solace in a bottle, but eventually finds in in a relationship with Michelle -- a co-worker who won't take "no" for an answer.
At a time when members of America's armed forces are once again returning from unpopular wars on foreign soil, Look Not Unto the Morrow serves as a poignant, searing reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served and their families through the years.
January 20, 2013
Another fantastic body of work from Fantina and I'm not surprised. After reading and reviewing his novel, My Burden Is Light, I had high expectations when I began Look Not Unto The Morrow. I was not disappointed.
Roger and Pam are easy characters to connect with. Their carefree love is the perfect distraction from the war that is beginning to take over a lot of the country's attention. That is, until Roger is drafted and deployed to Vietnam. My heart broke for both of them. I can only imagine how hard that would be and I feel like Fantina really stayed true to how it would have really happened.
You follow Roger through boot camp then into the chaos of of the fight and the book becomes increasingly harder to read. The events, the details are so real, it's hard to swallow.
Meanwhile, back home Pam struggles to live a normal life knowing that the man she loves is in the middle of a war neither of them agree with. While she is not in Vietnam with Roger, she follows a similar inner struggle as him and fights for him here at home.
Roger returns home a changed man to a changed country and struggles to find his place in the world again. You get a sliver of insight into what it's like for someone who has been traumatized by war, death, chemicals and it's heartbreaking. I found myself truly pulling for Roger, hoping for a better life for him as Michelle, the new girl in his life, begins a battle of her own to be with him.
Reading this book had me laughing, then in tears, then angry and back to tears. Well done Robert Fantina!
Roger and Pam are easy characters to connect with. Their carefree love is the perfect distraction from the war that is beginning to take over a lot of the country's attention. That is, until Roger is drafted and deployed to Vietnam. My heart broke for both of them. I can only imagine how hard that would be and I feel like Fantina really stayed true to how it would have really happened.
You follow Roger through boot camp then into the chaos of of the fight and the book becomes increasingly harder to read. The events, the details are so real, it's hard to swallow.
Meanwhile, back home Pam struggles to live a normal life knowing that the man she loves is in the middle of a war neither of them agree with. While she is not in Vietnam with Roger, she follows a similar inner struggle as him and fights for him here at home.
Roger returns home a changed man to a changed country and struggles to find his place in the world again. You get a sliver of insight into what it's like for someone who has been traumatized by war, death, chemicals and it's heartbreaking. I found myself truly pulling for Roger, hoping for a better life for him as Michelle, the new girl in his life, begins a battle of her own to be with him.
Reading this book had me laughing, then in tears, then angry and back to tears. Well done Robert Fantina!
January 19, 2014
This is what I would dub a work of Literary fiction, the first chapters are slow building, bringing the reader into the lives and the mindset of Pam and Roger, childhood sweethearts, a couple whose destiny is to become the all American middle class family, but this is the 60’s and a war of unimaginable horror is waging on a continent, light years away.
When Roger is drafted into the army, their lives change forever.
The author handles the divergence of their lives brilliantly and with the utmost flair. We see the naïve Pam losing her belief in her parents and ultimately her Government; struggling to accept Roger’s role in the conflict, we see Pam ultimately loose her innocence, leading to betrayal.
I was riveted to the read right up until Roger lands in Vietnam. This first part of the book is a five star read. From this point onwards, I just didn’t feel that I was getting under Rogers skin. I missed Pam in the latter part of the story, she had become a sort of ‘anti-hero’ to me and I wanted to know more. The event at the end of the story was the author’s opportunity to break Roger down and see him turn from an unquestioning automaton into a real man with balls. I would have liked to see him fight back as so many Vietnam Vets did.
All in all, a very well written, well researched piece of fiction based around a couples loss of innocence through the indescribable chaos and political chagrin that was the Vietnam conflict both in Asia and at home. For me, the first half was brilliant, the second half, less so, nevertheless, still a very worthwhile read.
When Roger is drafted into the army, their lives change forever.
The author handles the divergence of their lives brilliantly and with the utmost flair. We see the naïve Pam losing her belief in her parents and ultimately her Government; struggling to accept Roger’s role in the conflict, we see Pam ultimately loose her innocence, leading to betrayal.
I was riveted to the read right up until Roger lands in Vietnam. This first part of the book is a five star read. From this point onwards, I just didn’t feel that I was getting under Rogers skin. I missed Pam in the latter part of the story, she had become a sort of ‘anti-hero’ to me and I wanted to know more. The event at the end of the story was the author’s opportunity to break Roger down and see him turn from an unquestioning automaton into a real man with balls. I would have liked to see him fight back as so many Vietnam Vets did.
All in all, a very well written, well researched piece of fiction based around a couples loss of innocence through the indescribable chaos and political chagrin that was the Vietnam conflict both in Asia and at home. For me, the first half was brilliant, the second half, less so, nevertheless, still a very worthwhile read.
May 4, 2013
I was SO wrong about this book. I was ready for a Fox news tinted 'guns, god and war' whitewash of VietNam. I am so glad I was mistaken.
Robert Fantina brings a fresh intriguing point of view about war, growing up, reframing, redemption and survival. From the starting point of a high school graduation in Indiana throughout the horrors of war to the surprising end place (that I will not describe to let you discover it), Fantina effectively fleshes out his characters in a colorful way that reflects the Vietnam era and today's war scenario perfectly.
This is not a love triangle, this is an evolution. Roger Gaines goes through an unspeakable series of events that change him drastically. Pam Wentworth is my favorite character. She evolves into an unforgettable activist - where are her counterparts today? We need lots of Pam Wentworths in today's world. She is the pulse of this novel - Fantina wrote her part beautifully.
The third main character is Roger's post war girlfriend, Michelle. There is a post-coital scene that is beautifully executed. Roger tells Michelle about Vietnam killings. Michelle is shocked - not at the carnage but because Roger chose to open up to her. This demonstrates Fantina's working knowledge of PTSD and his ability to frame his novel realistically.
Read this - you won't be disappointed.
Robert Fantina brings a fresh intriguing point of view about war, growing up, reframing, redemption and survival. From the starting point of a high school graduation in Indiana throughout the horrors of war to the surprising end place (that I will not describe to let you discover it), Fantina effectively fleshes out his characters in a colorful way that reflects the Vietnam era and today's war scenario perfectly.
This is not a love triangle, this is an evolution. Roger Gaines goes through an unspeakable series of events that change him drastically. Pam Wentworth is my favorite character. She evolves into an unforgettable activist - where are her counterparts today? We need lots of Pam Wentworths in today's world. She is the pulse of this novel - Fantina wrote her part beautifully.
The third main character is Roger's post war girlfriend, Michelle. There is a post-coital scene that is beautifully executed. Roger tells Michelle about Vietnam killings. Michelle is shocked - not at the carnage but because Roger chose to open up to her. This demonstrates Fantina's working knowledge of PTSD and his ability to frame his novel realistically.
Read this - you won't be disappointed.
August 5, 2013
Look Not Unto the Morrow - highly recommended, August 4, 2013
By Gene Covington
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Look Not Unto The Morrow (Paperback)
Having some first hand knowledge of the era and the subject I found it a little haunting, interesting, a little controversial -- in short it is written very well, compelling and recommended as a 5 star "good read."
I to found the government of that time weak and irresponsible but the demonstrations, while well intended misdirected. Several atrocities were committed during the time as is the case in all wars. They were not as suggested the par for the war. In my opinion the demonstrations and lack of support by the citizenship that if had been pointed in the right direction could have ended the war sooner, saving hundreds of thousands of fellow humans regardless of countries serving. What a sad time that was for the human race.
I highly recommend the novel. Robert Fatina is a fantastic writer who skillfully guides you through the emotions of the characters, before, during and after the completion of Roger's association with the war. It is going to make you sad and mad without taking away the hope. I think he gets his message across quite clearly and I wonder why we just can't all get along together. Good Job Mr. Fantina. Gene Covington
By Gene Covington
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Look Not Unto The Morrow (Paperback)
Having some first hand knowledge of the era and the subject I found it a little haunting, interesting, a little controversial -- in short it is written very well, compelling and recommended as a 5 star "good read."
I to found the government of that time weak and irresponsible but the demonstrations, while well intended misdirected. Several atrocities were committed during the time as is the case in all wars. They were not as suggested the par for the war. In my opinion the demonstrations and lack of support by the citizenship that if had been pointed in the right direction could have ended the war sooner, saving hundreds of thousands of fellow humans regardless of countries serving. What a sad time that was for the human race.
I highly recommend the novel. Robert Fatina is a fantastic writer who skillfully guides you through the emotions of the characters, before, during and after the completion of Roger's association with the war. It is going to make you sad and mad without taking away the hope. I think he gets his message across quite clearly and I wonder why we just can't all get along together. Good Job Mr. Fantina. Gene Covington
June 13, 2013
"Look Not Unto the Morrow" by Robert Fantina is an impressive read that stayed with me for some time after I finished the book.
It concerns a love triangle in the 1960s. Roger, who is drafted by the infamous Lottery into the Vietnam war. His girlfriend Pam stays behind and inspired by his letters becomes prominently involved in the peace demonstrations, organised by Roger's former flatmate Matt.
While Roger is away he experiences the harsh reality of army life and is confronted with the fact that in war you chose to kill rather than be killed.
The perspective switches several times and shows Pam's side of the story, too, as she gets drawn into the protests against the war, the famous April 4 at 4pm. Violence and counter violence at home by alleged peaceful protesters and by the police, the lines are blurring here as they were in Vietnam.
Fantina does a brilliant job at exposing the mechanisms at work and the absurdities involved.
When Roger comes back Pam has left him and he needs to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, learn to life with his consciousness, guilt and an unexpected multitude of consequences.
Nobody thanks him when he gets home, he does not even know what home is and there is more.
This is a great book.
It concerns a love triangle in the 1960s. Roger, who is drafted by the infamous Lottery into the Vietnam war. His girlfriend Pam stays behind and inspired by his letters becomes prominently involved in the peace demonstrations, organised by Roger's former flatmate Matt.
While Roger is away he experiences the harsh reality of army life and is confronted with the fact that in war you chose to kill rather than be killed.
The perspective switches several times and shows Pam's side of the story, too, as she gets drawn into the protests against the war, the famous April 4 at 4pm. Violence and counter violence at home by alleged peaceful protesters and by the police, the lines are blurring here as they were in Vietnam.
Fantina does a brilliant job at exposing the mechanisms at work and the absurdities involved.
When Roger comes back Pam has left him and he needs to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, learn to life with his consciousness, guilt and an unexpected multitude of consequences.
Nobody thanks him when he gets home, he does not even know what home is and there is more.
This is a great book.
May 18, 2013
I was not expecting this book to be as good as it was, although I had been encouraged by the author's biography that this would be full of insight.
Roger and Pam are the All American Couple; they met at high school, go to the same university, have pretty much mapped out their lives in terms of marriage, career and children. Nothing really dramatic happens in their first year at college apart from Roger's friend Matt dropping out and becoming a peace activist.
Roger gets drafted and is destined for Vietnam. I thought at that point that the author had shifted all of the focus onto Pam, but in fact the lives of both characters are chronicled throughout the time that Roger is in Vietnam.
I won't go into the plot any further, even though the blurb seems to give enough spoilers anyway. I have to admit that the ending was a real eye-opener, as I had no idea that Agent Orange had that effect.
Highly recommended.
Roger and Pam are the All American Couple; they met at high school, go to the same university, have pretty much mapped out their lives in terms of marriage, career and children. Nothing really dramatic happens in their first year at college apart from Roger's friend Matt dropping out and becoming a peace activist.
Roger gets drafted and is destined for Vietnam. I thought at that point that the author had shifted all of the focus onto Pam, but in fact the lives of both characters are chronicled throughout the time that Roger is in Vietnam.
I won't go into the plot any further, even though the blurb seems to give enough spoilers anyway. I have to admit that the ending was a real eye-opener, as I had no idea that Agent Orange had that effect.
Highly recommended.
May 27, 2013
I received Look Not Unto the Morrow through Goodreads.com and loved the book.
As I followed the characters through their experiences and emotional turmoils, I couldn't help but be drawn deeper and deeper into the story. I could feel Pam's outrage as she learned more and more about the US involvement in the Vietnam War and her need to do all she could - by any means - to end it; Roger's internal conflict as he allowed, and even participated in, the killing of Vietnamese women and children; and Michelle's love as she patiently waited for Roger to let down his guard and let go of his personal horrors.
I loved the intertwining story lines that Fatina used to help developed his characters and pulled all of the pieces together. Overall, a fantastic book!
As I followed the characters through their experiences and emotional turmoils, I couldn't help but be drawn deeper and deeper into the story. I could feel Pam's outrage as she learned more and more about the US involvement in the Vietnam War and her need to do all she could - by any means - to end it; Roger's internal conflict as he allowed, and even participated in, the killing of Vietnamese women and children; and Michelle's love as she patiently waited for Roger to let down his guard and let go of his personal horrors.
I loved the intertwining story lines that Fatina used to help developed his characters and pulled all of the pieces together. Overall, a fantastic book!
August 21, 2019
Having some insider insights into the backstory, motivations of the characters, and objectives of the novel I don't think I can give an entirely fair review.
I felt a great deal of love for Roger and Pam and enjoyed watching their relationship grow. I can't say the same for Roger and Michelle, to me their relationship felt quickened and cheap which left me feeling like something was lacking. Then again, in a novel about a man shattered by his experiences in Vietnam perhaps that's the point; something precious was lost and never fully regained.
I felt a great deal of love for Roger and Pam and enjoyed watching their relationship grow. I can't say the same for Roger and Michelle, to me their relationship felt quickened and cheap which left me feeling like something was lacking. Then again, in a novel about a man shattered by his experiences in Vietnam perhaps that's the point; something precious was lost and never fully regained.
May 13, 2013
This book whisks you away to the Vietnam War era, and moved with incredibly tight dialogue. Think of a mix of lives, all coming together around the circumstances that ground the world in turmoil, but also each man within his own heart. As presidential candidate McGovern said, this book is a must read if you're a fan of Vietnam, or films such as Deer Hunter. Looking to see more from Robert Fantina.
April 16, 2013
I have received a free copy of this book through a GoodReads First Reads giveaway.
An absolute must read! Loved every second of this finely written book.
Following the lives of three college age students growing up in the 60's and 70's, the paths they took, or in some cases, the paths they were forced down, this book captures the magic as well as the devastation of that era.
An absolute must read! Loved every second of this finely written book.
Following the lives of three college age students growing up in the 60's and 70's, the paths they took, or in some cases, the paths they were forced down, this book captures the magic as well as the devastation of that era.
April 29, 2013
Received from Goodreads
I thought this novel was fantastic! I absolutely loved the well-developed plot line and the characters pulled you right into the story. It was a good old fashioned book that is a must read.
I thought this novel was fantastic! I absolutely loved the well-developed plot line and the characters pulled you right into the story. It was a good old fashioned book that is a must read.
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