Berkhout did a great job having the characters in the foreground while making sure the larger tensions in society about how we support our vets or don't support them are present. This is not an easy book. It's bleak in many ways, but also compelling.

I have several specific complaints about this book.
A) It's very predictable, in that "totally saw it coming" way.
B) The premise is terribly contrived.
C) There's a clear anti-military sentiment. Not pacifist but "military members are narrow minded savages." Soldiers and war supporters are portrayed as cruel and stupid.
D) The wording is repetitive and awkward.