Something About Ann, a historical fiction novella, is accompanied by twelve interconnected short stories that follow a group of soldiers who faced traumatic experiences in Vietnam, as depicted in the novel A Long Way Back. Although they managed to remain close after returning to the States, violence and turmoil continue to haunt the soldiers as they try to normalize their lives, sometimes depending on the help of each other or relying on the skills they acquired in combat.
In the novella Something About Ann, a black Vietnam veteran and a Vietnamese woman fall in love in Cleveland, Ohio, not knowing they were once combatants.
In the story, Lucky, veteran Raphael "Lucky" Holland's luck runs out when he tries to rob a stranger whose past is darker than his.
In a Sound Decision, Marcus Glover restrains from fighting a verbal abuser because of a prior confrontation that still haunts him.
In the story, The Education of Xavier Warfield, Xavier, a veteran and promising pool hustler, finds the most important life lessons aren't learned in the pool room when he falls for a lady with a questionable past.
With One Exception presents an encounter that begins on shaky terms between a black militant vet, Erving Robinson, and Harland Conrad, a white Vietnam veteran. However, the relationship shifts when Robinson helps Conrad fight his personal demons.
The Gift finds Myron Turner, a recluse and an empath, confronted by an older empath when he tries to hide his abilities.
Leroy Casper is enjoying The Good Life when his past associations barge into his life, shattering his peace and causing him to make drastic decisions.
In The Tell, Elgin learns that a "tell" applies not only to poker but to life- too late.
A disbarred lawyer, Ralph Gaines, is down on his luck in The Best Seat In the House when a bully commandeers his reserved seat in a bar. The elderly Gaines snaps, resolving the seat issue as well as a personal problem.
The Last Time I Saw Willie is a coming-of-age account of a young middle-class African American who learns the importance of dedication and persistence when he meets Willie Stinson, an orphan.
As an orphan, Willie Stinson's life is controlled by outside forces. As an adult, he finds others still dictate his future because of an incident that threatens himself and his family in Recovery.
A Good Day To Be A Man demonstrates that confrontation is not necessarily the path to manhood.
In Slow Songs, Lieutenant Raymond Williams faces his worst fear in Vietnam, which has nothing to do with his own welfare.
Provocative and intense, Something About Ann delves into the lives of those where war has no end.
Review :
Something About Ann, by J. Everett Prewitt is an excellent book of short stories including a novella of the same name, that will touch the heart of all. ...(It) is a must read for all who are interested in learning about brotherhood, bonding, passion, and survival.
Carol Hoyer - Readers Views
***
Something About Ann's prologue opens in June of 1969, with a setting somewhere near the Cambodian border, making it evident this story will be about Vietnam. What isn't immediately evident is that its two introductory characters, Clarence and Ann, will keep readers riveted to the story in this novella through a series of encounters against the backdrop of a conflict which places this production a cut above the usual singular Vietnam War scenario...
Readers seeking a different kind of Vietnam piece will relish the messages and approach of Something About Ann, which digs deeper into the finer psychology of social change and individual choice than most, making it a special recommendation for those who like their psychological insights at the forefront of popular modern historical writings.
Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
***
Sensational read. Beautiful sentences, you can almost caress them. The style of writing plucked at all the strings of my heart, sending me on a peaceful float across the ocean of words. The story in itself was enrapturing, ensuring that the thought of shutting my eyes from reading for just a second doesn't cross my mind.
Quite frankly, I haven't enjoyed a read this good in a long time.
Vickie Noel - Goodreads
