Hope in the Shadows of War

by Thomas Paul Reilly

..". a compelling read..." --Midwest Book Review
Vietnam War veteran Timothy Patrick O'Rourke discovers thegreat paradox of war upon his return to the US. It is 1973 and he hasleft the war, but the war has not left him. He carries with him a profound sense of unfinished business, and struggles to find meaning amid days packed with the responsibilities of a life he no longer understands. Even with the patient, loving support of his girlfriend, Cheryl, Timothy cannot escape the shadow of war. Then he meets the mysterious Hoffen. A voice of tragedy, wisdom and hope, Hoffen has traveled through the darkness and emerged on the other side. Maybe, just maybe, Timothy can do the same. Timothy's odyssey is every veteran's story to some degree, with alienation, hyper-vigilance, substance abuse, relationship problems, guilt, flashbacks, nightmares, and depression as his constant companions. Hope in the Shadows of War confronts the stark realization that a wound that never closes can't heal, and it proves that while trauma casts a long shadow for survivors, hope is a powerful antidote.

278 pages, Paperback

Published October 19, 2018

About the author

Tom Reilly is the author of sixteen books and a globally recognized for his pioneering work in Value-Added Selling. Tom is literally the guy who wrote the book on Value-Added Selling. Additionally, Tom is an award-winning columnist for multiple business publications and a highly sought-after professional speaker.

Since 1981, Tom has been sharing his content-rich messages of hope with global audiences and readers. After four years in the US Army, Tom earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in psychology. After a successful sales career in the chemical industry during which time he owned a Houston-based distribution company, Tom pursued a speaking and writing career.

With the publication of Tom's forthcoming book, Hope in the Shadows of War, Tom is turning his writing and speaking interests toward advocacy for veterans and the trauma they experience in war. In this novel, Tom describes the paradoxes of war and how they affect the warrior's homecoming. Though not a memoir or autobiography, Tom says it is naïve to believe that his Vietnam War experiences did not influence his writing. Consistent with all of Tom's work, hope plays a dominant role in the homecoming of the protagonist in this story. Tom views himself as a hope merchant.

Tom lives with his family in Chesterfield, MO., and when he is not writing or speaking, he enjoys time on his motorcycle or the golf course. His motto has always been, "Try to leave a little bigger woodpile than the one you found on your journey."

You may visit him online at www.TomReillyBlog.com

Reviews

[Carl Henry]

If you like novels with great characters pick up this book and enjoy the journey of Timothy, Cheryl, Hoffen, Mrs. O’Rourke and Dez.

Timothy O’Rourke the former helicopter pilot was honored to serve his country when the public wanted to forget the realities of the Vietnam war.

Today everyone is eager to thank the troops but forty-four years ago that was not the norm.

I am old enough to remember the sixties and seventies. I remember Jimi Hendrix and the “Three Days of Peace and Music” at Woodstock and the massacre at Kent State.

This book is a great reminder what it was like living during the Vietnam experience. I would recommend this book to every American young or old that would like to get a better understanding of the stress and life of our returning hero’s.

Timothy O’Rourke thanks for your service. Tom Reilly thanks for your service and “Hope In The Shadows of WAR”.

[Keshawn Spence]

Hope in the Shadows of War is a MUST READ for all military veterans, past and present. Tom Reilly is a literary genius! This book paints a vivid picture of the highs and lows of an Army veteran returning from the Vietnam War. This book resonates with all military generations. It provides a detailed illustration on life after the Vietnam War and the toll it took on Soldiers and their families. Tim was able to battle his demons with the love and support of his family and kind gestures from people he barely knew. A simple gesture or thought-provoking conversation may change even the most troubled-souls outlook on life.
(Keshawn A. Spence, Author of Bound by my Choices).

[Shep Hyken]

Thomas Paul Reilly shares a passionate and important story about the pain of war and the coping and hope that happens when a soldier returns from war. A compelling and powerful read!

[Aaron Grant]

“A gripping novel full of well-rounded characters, “Hope in the Shadows of War” is a glimpse into the Vietnam War as you never knew it. Inspiring and uplifting, it is hard not to fall in love with Timothy; his quality and demons alive in a story that will stick for a lifetime.”

-Aaron M Grant, author of “Taking Baghdad: Victory in Iraq with the US Marines.”

[Raymond Hutson]

‘Hope in the Shadows of War’ by Tom Reilly, chronicles one soldier’s challenges as he tries to move forward with his civilian life after the trauma of combat in Vietnam. Timothy O’Rourke contends with survivor’s guilt, recurrent nightmares of combat, and suicidal ideation. His mother dies unexpectedly shortly after his return and his financial challenges, for a while, appear insurmountable. Only with the combined encouragement of many friends, and the inextinguishable love of his fiance, Cheryl, does he find the hope to prevail.
In everyday language Reilly captures well the atmosphere of the country in 1973, the financial quagmire that marked the late Nixon era, and the disinterested and often hostile public opinion of veterans during that time. A pleasant read that leaves us satisfied in the end, understanding that there is hope to be found, even in the darkest hours of loss.
Raymond Hutson, author of ‘Finding Sgt. Kent,’ and ‘Topeka, ma’shuge.’

[Malcolm]

When injured Vietnam War veteran Timothy O’Rourke returns home in 1973, an open wound accompanies him. Today, we might call it PTSD or survivor’s guilt. When his helicopter was shot down and then attacked by the Viet Cong on the ground, he was able to save one of the men with him–but not both. The prospective roles of fate, destiny, fairness, and second-guessing oneself plague him as surely as a virus

Vietnam War veteran Thomas Paul Reilly saw the war for himself and subsequently applied that knowledge and his degrees in psychology as an author (Value-Added Selling) and public speaker focusing on the importance of hope, attitude, and value. He effectively uses this background to create a realistic, yet troubled protagonist in this novel which will be released on Veterans Day.

In the chronicles of war and returning veterans, Timothy’s issues aren’t unique, but in an era where veterans’ issues were not well understood, he believes he is alone in trying to heal his psychological wounds. He’s attending college, works multiple jobs, drives a falling-apart old car, has a steady girlfriend named Cheryl, and remains one step ahead of bankruptcy. Friends and family either can’t or won’t help him when he’s confronted with unexpected expenses such as replacing the ancient furnace in his mother’s house where he is staying. Cheryl has money to lend, but he refuses to accept it.

Co-workers at a Christmas tree lot where he’s working to earn extra money tell him that college and dreams aren’t for “guys like us” and that he needs to quit college and get a real job. In almost every area of his life, he is without hope. Among other things, he’s driving away Cheryl, who unconditionally loves him, by constantly telling her he’s not good enough for her.

Reilly has created a character who epitomizes veterans who have reason to believe fate and their country are conspiring against them. Broke and in ill health (emotional or physical), they end up living on the streets as one of society’s festering wounds that seems impossible to heal. A co-worker, Hoffen, at the Christmas tree lot casually talks to Tim about hope, perseverance, and attitude. The man speaks like a sage down from the mountaintop, but will his advice be enough to convince Tim that the open wound he brought home from Vietnam will never heal until he lets it heal?

If Tim were in therapy, his analyst might ask him if he wants the wound to heal. His memory of the helicopter crash–which is well written and rings true–replays over and over as though he either wanted to be rescued from the wounds it caused or return to the scene and die along with the buddy he couldn’t save. Tim is a character who is easy to admire for his diligent attempt to save his dream against great odds. He is less easy to like because his overly hopeless attitude, as demonstrated in his thoughts and his conversations with Cheryl and others, comes close to whining, justified though it may be.

The book would be stronger if the plot focussed on the major highs and lows of the story and left out the step-by-step “transcripts” of minor–or recurring–thoughts and actions. The inspiring ending would be stronger if readers felt that, other than his stubbornness, Tim had played a more active role in making it happen.

Reading "Hope in the Shadows of War" should be a cathartic experience for struggling veterans (including myself) and those who want to understand veterans’ issues and motivations. This is the story’s strength. So is the message of hope from Hoffen and others. Readers will probably take that message with them after they finish the novel.

[Military Writers Society of America (MWSA)]

MWSA Review

Author Thomas Paul Reilly has penned an interesting story in his book Hope in the Shadows of War. Reilly’s protagonist, Timothy, has arrived home from Vietnam where he suffered a severe leg injury and lost a close friend to combat. In addition to his leg injury, the memories of his last battle, during which he was injured and his good friend was killed in a chopper crash trying to rescue him, haunt his dreams almost daily. Trying to get a college degree while working two part-time jobs is hard enough, but pile on an unreliable car and a mother to care for, and Timothy’s future looks bleak.

On the positive side, Timothy has a devoted girlfriend, a close friend whom he served with in Vietnam, and a wise old man who enters his life briefly, all trying to keep him moving in the right direction. The struggle is all too real, and the outcome in constant flux. Author Thomas Reilly has created an internal struggle of hope and despair that catches a reader’s attention and emotions. I recommend this book.

Review by Bob Doerr (February 2019)

[Chuck Mansfield]

HOPE IN THE SHADOWS OF WAR
By Thomas Paul Reilly

A Book Review by Chuck Mansfield

I read Hope in the Shadows of War in less than 24 hours. A page-turner, it is an awesome read. As a Vietnam veteran myself, I can readily identify with what is written therein.
In an early description of his protagonist, Irish Catholic decorated U.S. Army combat helicopter pilot and Vietnam War veteran wounded in action Timothy O’Rourke, the author continues his coming-home theme: “though he left the war, it never left him. The memories lived a thin layer of skin beneath the surface. The military taught them to fight the war but failed to teach them how to live the peace.” Later, the author addresses “work, strength, loyalty, dependability, and honesty. This described Timothy’s life perfectly.” Timothy later states, “It was an honor to serve.” Now we clearly comprehend with whom we’re dealing.
Additional insight comes as Timothy tells Cheryl, the love of his life, of the infamous Professor Leibert, who “thinks he’s a political science genius, and he’s never been outside of this country. … He has this whole thing about the military-industrial complex. He probably loves Uncle Ho [Chi Minh, leader of North Vietnam] and Mao’s Little Red Book. He’s got it in for me and the other vets. He goes out of his way to antagonize us. We’re all pretty fed up.” More clues as to what Timothy is experiencing.
Tom Reilly has a marvelous knack for creating and bringing to life characters who are extremely credible, both the good and the flawed. A great example of goodness, grace and wisdom is “the mysterious Hoffen,” a World War I veteran who becomes Timothy’s co-worker, confidant and mentor. Their employers, Dez and Edna (“Ed”) Schoen, who sell Christmas trees, are, well, flawed. Then there’s Kenny, a dimwitted and sleazy character. Still, each of these characters and others is crafted in the most ingenious and gratifying manner.
“Why would she stay with a guy like me?” This is one of many lamentations by which Timothy self-flagellates about not being good enough for Cheryl, despite her consistent insistence that she loves him, and Hoffen’s reassurance that Timothy and she are meant for each other and that Timothy had better not screw things up. Hoffen’s maturity and wisdom eventually resonate with the often sullen Timothy, who considers his life circumstances virtually hopeless.
Timothy’s problems are all temporary and material but, in his mind, seem to be crushing him because of their simultaneity. Car trouble, not being good enough for Cheryl for whom paying for a new furnace for his mother precludes him purchasing an engagement ring, Professor Leibert, Dez and Ed’s nastiness on the job, his brother’s and uncle’s unwillingness to help him – all combine to create a depression for Timothy and a terrible feeling of being trapped and never being able to dig out of his difficulties. In short, he’s broke, maybe broken. Hoffen offers some solace: “Things look dark. I understand that. The problem with staring into the darkness is that it stares back at you. Some people let that darkness enter their souls. Sooner or later, they forget what the light looks like.” Hoffen subsequently tells Timothy, “Pain is as much a part of life as joy. Hope is as much a part of life as despair.”
I have chosen not to disclose the joyous series of events that occur before this magnificent book ends because it would deprive the reader of the joy and wonder that I myself experienced as the story winds down. Read this book!
I extend my warmest congratulations to Tom Reilly for his epic contribution to the understanding of the Vietnam experience and veterans of that war.

Chuck Mansfield graduated from Chaminade High School (Mineola, N.Y.) in 1962. Upon graduation in 1966 from the College of the Holy Cross, he was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. In 1968 he was assigned to Vietnam and served as a platoon commander with the Third Marine Division. Later, he received an M.B.A. from New York University. A director/trustee of the mutual funds of Federated Investors, Inc., a $459-billion Pittsburgh-based complex listed on the New York Stock Exchange, he and his wife Mame have three adult children and live in Westhampton Beach, New York, and Stuart, Florida. Chuck has authored four books: NO KIDS, NO MONEY AND A CHEVY: A Politically Incorrect Memoir, BITS AND PIECES: Stories to Soothe the Soul or Raise the Hackles, VIETNAM: Remembrances of a War and LEADERSHIP: In Action, Thought and Word.

[Linda Huizenga]

I was just a young child during the Vietnam War, and certainly not tuned in to what our warriors endured over there or back here on their return. Certainly I've seen movies, documentaries, revealing the hardships and horrors. Thomas Paul Reilly, however, offers a glimpse into the life of a returning soldier dealing with what the rest of us would consider everyday life—car trouble, relationships, job, family, finances—but his experiences in war layer stresses that can make even the seemingly mundane more difficult . . . Something I never really considered.

I think this book would be a great read for middle schoolers to introduce them to some of the realities of war without exposing them too soon to the incredible horrors of war and its aftermath. I recommend this to anyone, but certainly to anyone who deals with or knows someone who lives with PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) from any life experience. This book is easy to read and easy to understand. It's a very hopeful message.

[Harry Koehler]

“Hope in the Shadows of War” is a very compelling story of a wounded and permanently injured veteran’s personal struggles to reenter society after a return from the horrific battles of the Vietnam war. A very insightful journey that reveals how Timothy Patrick O’Rourke embraces a life of alienation, guilt, nightmares and depression while struggling to support himself and his mother and attempting to fulfill a goal to complete his education. The story is a masterful depiction of Patrick’s battle to find meaning in his life in the shadow of the war he just returned from.
There are some wonderful messages of life proffered throughout the story including that while you may be challenged in life and it will be difficult, it is not impossible, and the despair and hope you feel are largely the result of the choices you make; you choose the right path. “Hope in the Shadows of War” is a critical read for both the veteran and non-veteran.

[Steve Grimm]

Hope in the Shadows of War is a book that needed to be written. While the novel is a great read it tells the story of a patriotic hero who returned home from war to find a country full of young misguided people who blamed him (and all Vietnam Vets) for doing his duty. This book should be required reading, along with Guterson’s Snow Falling on Cedars, LEST WE FORGET the mistakes of our past.

[Patty Size]

Hope in the Shadows of war is a page-turner that will keep you engaged until the very end. Timothy, the protagonist, is a real stand-up man. After returning home from the Vietnam War, Timothy struggles with adjusting back into society. He keeps getting punches thrown at him, but refuses to let them keep him down. With the help of his friends, family, and supportive girlfriend, Cheryl, he is able to navigate these trials and tribulations. You will find yourself rooting for Timothy and hope that he is able to step out of the shadow of war and into the light.

[Richard Avdoian]

As a college student in the Sixties and Seventies I stood by and witnessed college protests of the Vietnam War and the terrible treatment the soldiers received when they returned home. This book shares a vivid, passionate story and explains why so many veterans avoid talking about their experiences and emotional issues. It was a very emotional and inspiring read.