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It was wisely said by Hemingway, who served in World War I, to "never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime." However, it is not only a crime to those who horrifically died for the cause of war but also to those whose lives were irrefutably changed afterward. This story centers around Bradley, a survivor of World War I, who suffers from severe post-trauma, despite coming back home to a loving family with seemingly minimal injuries. While multiple characters make their debut in this story and play an integral role in shaping the tale, it is in its essence a story of Bradley's recovery and reintegration back into society with the aid of his family.
The author does a fantastic job balancing the flashbacks to Bradley's experiences on the Belgium front in World War I with the present day. The reader can feel the weighted horrors of the war without it being gritty and overbearing. This is because the overall tone of the book is refreshingly gentle and restorative. The building of the Rocky Comfort Ranch mimics Bradley's growth and adaptation throughout the story. The reader becomes immersed inside the psyche of a character struggling to adapt back into society, realizing that it cannot be done by oneself. While all the characters (including Chester the coyote) bring a unique addition to the story, the continual switch in point of view can be a little distracting. However, this does not detract from the story and, overall, adds to its beauty. It is highly likely that this novel will be as cozy a comfort as its namesake to the reader.