From the painful experience on the battlefields of Vietnam to the psychological damage that US soldiers experienced, Not for God and Country by William M Murphy offers a mesmerizing, poignant account of the Vietnam War. Written by a war veteran, this book features a cast of young men armed to the teeth and deployed to fight a war they don't clearly understand why in a danger-infested terrain, facing untold hardships and dangers. The author explores the emotional and psychological states of these characters, the power of friendship, and their resilience and pursues the lingering question: Was this war justified in any way?

William M Murphy paints a vividly drawn picture of the Vietnam War, exploring the frustrations and vicissitudes the soldiers went through and what awaited them back home from the senseless war. The descriptions are terrific, ranging from the treacherous terrain to the emotional depth of the characters. As one follows these characters from the heart of a painful war to the comfort of home, they begin to understand how war shapes people, transforming them in ways that are inscrutable. The author writes about the wounds of soldiers, both physical and mental, letting readers see, clearly, the effects of PSTD, social neglect, and the absence of appreciation from a country for which these soldiers have risked their lives. Fans of military thrillers and historical novels will be absorbed by this spellbinding tale of a senseless war. The pages of Not for God and Country are filled with gorgeous prose and the narrative voice captivates the reader right from the very first page. A sure winner and a book that condemns war by exhibiting it for the gory reality it is.