Apricots - by John Holloway (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"...immediately became engrossed in this exciting, thoughtful, eye-opening, and heartfelt tale." - Jon Michael Miller, Readers Favorite

"Filled with action and intrigue, Apricots is a thoroughly engaging blockbuster of a novel where the breakneck pace of the plot and the absorbing narrative never lets your attention waver for a single moment...If you enjoy reading action-packed military fiction novels, Apricots is the book for you." - Pikasho Deka, Readers Favorite

Lieutenant Robert Forrest joined the Marines because his father was a Marine. His whole life he felt the pull of patriotism rooted in his Marine Corps upbringing. But after the Vietnam war, he doubts the Country he's sworn to serve. The collapse of the Republic of Vietnam in 1975 confirmed defeat of the U.S. - and the wasted sacrifice of 58,000 American lives. Getting killed for a lost cause in an unnecessary War is Forrest's greatest fear.

In 1983, eight years after Saigon fell, Lieutenant Robert Forrest leads a Marine platoon bound for Beirut. Along the way, the Marines invade Grenada and then move on to Beirut. Can Forrest reconcile his service with his doubts? Will the Marines all make it out alive? Or will Forrest's worst fears be realized?

Set against the backdrop of a post-Vietnam world, Apricots tells the harrowing story of one Lieutenant and his platoon as they fight in Grenada, the last Combat of the Cold War, and then move onto Beirut to fight the first battles in the War on Terror.

Review Quotes

"...a literary winner....Loved the characters, particularly the Gunny...like a lot of Staff NCOs is superficially coarse but with depth of understanding and intelligence....finally, a novel that focuses on amtracs!" / Captain Dale Dye Jr. (U.S.M.C. Ret.) - Actor and military consultant for several films, including Platoon, Saving Private Ryan, and Band of Brothers.

"...immediately became engrossed in this exciting, thoughtful, eye-opening, and heartfelt tale. In places, Apricots reads almost like poetry: "... sleet specs bounced off his helmet like dancing albino knats." Author John E. Holloway shows us what happens in military life but also what it truly feels like. The protagonist, Lt. Robert Forrest loves being a Marine and being alive. He notices the ocean, the sky, his fellow Marines, and he describes his roots in the Virginia mountains and the disenchanted patriotism of his Marine father. Lt. Forrest personifies the expression "esprit de corps," and he both exemplifies and demonstrates bravery, courage, and empathy. And we chuckle at the stories told in bunkers and ships about personal histories and - so unexpectedly - opera librettos. And, of course, the legendary apricots! John E. Holloway, author and always a Marine, has given us a masterpiece in reality and - dare I say it - the joy and beauty of fighting for his country." - Jon Michael Miller Readers Favorite, 5 Star Review

"Author John E. Holloway's novel masterfully showcases the futility of war, where soldiers quite often find their destinies taken out of their own hands. Filled with action and intrigue, Apricots is a thoroughly engaging blockbuster of a novel where the breakneck pace of the plot and the absorbing narrative never lets your attention waver for a single moment. The characters are compelling, and the realistic dialogue and setting create tension and suspense that make for many thrilling moments. Robert Forrest is a protagonist that you can't help rooting for. I also enjoyed the camaraderie and the brotherly banter between the soldiers. The climax makes sense in hindsight, but it was heartbreaking nonetheless. If you enjoy reading action-packed military fiction novels, Apricots is the book for you." - Pikasho Deka Readers Favorite, 5 Star Review