MWSA Book Review

Compassion and Providence – A True Vietnam Era Story

Author:  Jeff Rodgers

Publisher:  Infinity Publishers

Reviewer: Bill McDonald – President of the MWSA

A Vietnam War Version of “The World of Susie Wong”

There are some stories that are as old as the bible and fresh as the summer rain—this true life tale of love, war, rescuing the beautiful bar girl, and saving her family from the ravages of communism and poverty is a new classic in the making. The book “Compassion and Providence – A True Vietnam Era Story” by Jeff Rodgers (his pen name) is a book well worth reading. It is not your normal war zone memoir, in fact, the author claims nothing more than having been stationed in Vietnam for four years and does not focus on the war going on there at that time. He makes no claims be any kind of hero or a saint—he just says that he was and is a man who fell in love with his future wife and could not leave her in Vietnam.

The author allows us to get inside his head and we understand why he does what he does. He admits his faults and short comings and comes across as absolutely human. The fact that he changes the locations and the names in his book, so that his family will be spared any embarrassment or public ridicule, shows the depth of his sensitivity and love. His bride to be, came into his life with two children already from other relationships with GIs, yet the author has welcomed them as his own without any hesitation.

This book is about love and being human. It is shared with such honesty and openness that we get a real look at this family and what they went through. I felt nothing but compassion and understanding for what his wife went through and what he felt. I think the author’s fears of judgment are real to some degree in this world of self-righteous people but from my point of view, I am honored to have read their story and would love to meet them all.

It is a short book (82 pages with photos) but it is a good emotional read and enjoyable entertainment. Parts of it are not suitable for all family members to read. Its subject matter is for a more adult reading audience.