Charlotte's War

by J. Lawrence Graham

This epic novel follows one extraordinary American woman as she grieves and triumphs through the horrific realities of three wars that threaten the men she loves.

Charlotte Fletcher is in the fight of her life to save her firstborn son from facing a truth she knows all too well—the dreadful impact of war. First, she watched her own brother suffer the destructive consequences of youthful bravado in WWII. Then, she waved goodbye to her husband, a decorated hero, who sailed into harm’s way a second time in the Korean conflict. Now, with her son headed to Vietnam, Charlotte is using all the arrows in her quiver to stop the conflict.

As Charlotte weaves through major world events, her remarkable will and intelligence position her to offer key insights to leaders negotiating peace in Vietnam. After being raised in China by missionary parents, Charlotte completed her studies at Radcliffe and Harvard and received a Berkeley PhD in anthropology, giving her unique expertise to persuade the renowned decision makers she encounters.

The formidable connections Charlotte forges over the years—including visionaries such as JFK, two U.S. Secretaries of State, and even Ho Chi Minh—culminate in a surprising and captivating convergence of personalities, power, and politics.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, War, Politics

478 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2023

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting work relating to the trials and traumas of our recent history of war. This book is an interesting history lesson with a great deal of little known facts that make history so fascinating, but I felt that the author let his own political beliefs play a bit too large a role. It was fun to read that the author based his main character, Charlotte, on his mother.

My thanks to the author, J. Lawrence Graham, and the publisher, Greenleaf Book Group Press, for my electronic copy of this book. #Goodreads Giveaway

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-written, expertly crafted book about war focuses on peace. The author's wide-ranging background as a behavioral scientist, an expert in international negotiations, and a military officer in the UDT/SEAL teams shines through in his descriptions of 20th century events, life in the military, and the depictions of all of his characters in this work of historical fiction, particularly the title character, Charlotte. As very real historical events unfold, this fictional anthropologist, military wife and mother, and peace activist interacts with real historical figures ranging from Ho Chi Minh, JFK, Henry Kissinger, and Richard Nixon to architect Julia Morgan and science fiction author Ursula Le Guin to illustrate the impact of war--both global and very, very personal. Highly recommended.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one was a Goodreads giveaway, and while I'm always grateful for a gift book, this one really needed some editing. It took 100 pages to get into Charlotte and her son Jack's story in earnest. Though both had storylines teased in the opening pages, the writing then took and extensive--let's say, 70 pages--venture into historical background. I understand the author is a teacher, too, but I didn't need or want the deep dive into Ho Chi Minh, Henry Kissinger, or early Cold War details. Part of that is because I have a history degree already; the other is that this is a NOVEL, therefore the reader needs the historical context that absolutely matters to the story. And for me, if the novel requires an interruption to the story with scores of pages providing context BEFORE returning to the story, then you need to edit. Again, grateful for the giveaway, but not recommending this one at all.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listed to this on Audible. I liked the multi generational format.

Even though the story followed a handful of people, was not confusing to keep track of their individual storylines. I enjoyed when the stories of the many main characters interesceted.

Historical events were also described in a simplified enough way to make sense to me. I definitely learned mored than I expected I would.

A sad ending. I am still thinking about a couple days after finishing the book.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this historical fiction it is difficult to tell where history and fiction separate.

Read full review in the 2023 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Laura Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a really interesting historical novel told through a woman's perspective. I learnt a lot of facts about this and I liked the realism of the characters, especially Charlotte who lived through much brutality. I did feel like this was quite slow and sometimes it feel flat for me as I wanted a bit more than just historical facts; however I can tell this will be a big hit with historical fiction fans and those who love strong female leads.

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte's War is for certain, one book that I will not soon forget. The historical aspect was on point, I appreciated that it was so well researched in that regard. The author did a fantastic job clearly explaining things from all sides of the characters, and I appreciated that it was a thorough job, not just one sided throughout. I was surprised to see that this book had not yet been rated, but also grateful that I had a chance to read it thanks to Netgalley.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book and found that it was a bit hard for me to follow. I may have benefited more from reading an ebook version or even a paper copy. However I did find it interesting in the aspect that the plot of the story was way before my time so it gave me a glimpse of what it was like during the 60s

[Patricia Frantz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a book I would have picked up. It was a free advanced copy from Goodreads. That being said, it’s a mix of fact and fiction, kind of. It explains the perils of war, what happens, how it affects people. It’s hard to read in parts for me but I learned a lot I never knew. If you are into war history, this is your read.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I started Charlotte’s War, I was intrigued at the odd combination of characters being introduced…a missionary family in China, Henry Kissinger, Ho Chi Minh?

The story follows Charlotte Fletcher, a bright young woman who becomes an anthropologist and professor. Her life is greatly affected by the wars that occur during her lifetime (WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War) and she has keen insight into the players and issues at play.

Filled with rich and interesting history/perspectives, I found myself highlighting compelling ideas and amusing lines. Most interesting was Graham’s take that our country had been duped about the Vietnam War by five American presidents. I learned so much about the Vietnam War and Ho Chi Minh.

Charlotte’s War is classified as a historical fiction book but there was so much history detailed that in parts it read like non-fiction. Some of these sections were so dry that I felt like I was reading a paper on the topic vs a novel. There was also a preachy tone to the narrative that was clearly the author’s voice vs. a character’s voice. The character dialogue was often unnatural with the characters themselves feeling a little too perfect (particularly Charlotte) and behavior a little cringey.

Thank you to Goodreads for this kindle version. I was a Goodreads giveaway winner.

[Rachelle LeBlanc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charlotte's War follows Charlotte Fletcher's life.

Charlotte Fletcher grew up traveling with her parents on religious mission and spent much of her childhood in China. She is very smart and becomes one of few females in political science classes. Charlotte had to watch and handle her brother going to fight in WWII. He was injury and never really the same. Charlotte met and fell in love with her brother's friend. He is a pilot during the Korean conflict. After the war, he became an airline pilot and ended up having an affair with a stewardess. Their son Jack is drafted to fight in Vietnam. He is killed in battle.

Charlotte's War had so much potential and I normally enjoy books on this topic. I felt this book was too long and drawn out. Parts were still very interesting. I listened to the audiobook through NetGalley and made it through the whole 14 hours and 34 minutes. I would have DNFed the physical copy.

[Cassie Dyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for an early audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

An exhilarating historical fiction novel that incorporated many elements/characters influenced by true events/people. The storyline woven through the telling of different scenes or economical events taking place was superb; I absolutely loved Charlotte and her family’s story throughout the novel. The history and contextual information was a bit lengthy for my liking and disconnected my engagement of the story at times throughout, although it did offer a greater understanding of the plot. Despite some of the longer historical tellings, I enjoyed the rawness, joyful and emotional moments and the reality of the novel.

The author’s notes at the beginning and end were great for giving additional reference. Highly recommend

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! What a stroll down memory lane! How all the women swooned over JFK, his presidency, and his assassination clearly stir up long forgotten history. Not to mention the Vietnam war, the protests, and the loss of life of dear friend in a war that no one supported. The Nixon Era was a disgrace that influenced our country. Charlotte's war covered issues that women had to deal with on a daily basis trying to make a difference in this world. So many women felt unimportant and trying to make a place for themselves in the world. However, Charlotte coming from a more elite background was able to overcome many of those struggles that the average female was not. It didn't hurt that she was a super smart lady.

Really loved the book. Thank you, Goodreads, for the giveaway, even if it reminded me of how old I am getting.

[Theresa Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte Fletcher, a woman who witnesses firsthand the dreadful impact of three wars through the men in her life. Her brother fighting in WWII, her husband, a decorated WWII pilot who goes back into harm's way in Korea and her son heads to Vietnam. Charlotte's own journey of growing up in China and coming of age at Radcliffe, Harvard and Berkely opens connection with other visionaries that hold the power to shape our nation. A mother who tries desperately to save her son from war. This book delves into not just the wars, but what lead to them. Parts of the history were a bit dry and long, but it is important to know the why and how America ended up in these conflicts. Especially the Vietnam War.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte’s War

A story about how war impacts one family. From fighting over the legitimacy of the war to the best way to win. Almost losing family members, trying to select the safest branch to join, hoping to be relocated in a place of your choosing, to missing loved ones. This book is centered on Charlotte, but looks at her immediate family members over the span of two wars.
Through love, loss, children and all other aspects of life.
To me, there were too many times the author got bogged down in trying to implement historical facts that didn’t need to be in the book. That made this book boring and tedious.

#GoodreadsGiveaways

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy historical fiction and I’m partial to military themes so the premise intrigued me. However, the book didn’t quite work for me and I’m not sure if that was me as a reader just being in the wrong frame of mind, but the book didn’t come to life For me. I was reading it at the same time. I was reading a book by a different author on a similar theme, which was phenomenal and possibly that colors this review. I will go back and try it again at some point in the future and will update this review . . It is, however a good solid story, if a bit long, and likely others will really enjoy it.?

#netgalley #charlotteswar

[Shell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story about real life people and events. Very intellectual for historical fiction. The characters, including those who are real people, are very well written. The descriptions of the real life people are spot on with who they showed themselves to be to the public. The storyline was interesting. You don't realize how much you are learning because it's all within the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Vietnam and the the involvement of the United States in the war. #GoodreadsGiveaway

[DAB-E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read. Powerful story that covers decades of war. This is an excellent book and would be great for a book club discussion. While I lived through Vietnam (I was in high school), there is so much that I do not remember from that era, and this book filled in a lot of gaps in my knowledge. Watching the nightly news showing the number of deaths each night by Walter C. is something I will never forget and I found that including the numbers in the book very appropriate.

Thanks goodreads for this book.

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reflections of War

Charlotte tells her life story of her life during the different wars that raged through out the country. I listened to the audio book about half way through, it was rather boring and I gave up on it and did not finish. I just couldn’t connect with this one.

Thanks to J. Lawrence Graham for writing the book, to Nan McNamara for the narration, to Greenleaf audio books for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the audio book to listen to and review.

[Christy DuBois · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit at first I thought I wasn't going to enjoy the book but it did end up pulling me into the story, as others have stated I found myself trying to figure out where the fiction and historical facts separated. I learned things from this book and also enjoyed a good story. There is feminism, political views, war, family troubles, even Jack's coming of age story is mixed in. You get a little dash of everything in this book while you also learn about historical events.

[Giovanni Carrillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but you get lost

I enjoyed the characters once you eventually get to their storylines. The main issue with the book is that you easily get lost with all the historical information that’s put in there. A shorter version would have been better to flesh out the characters more.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed and well researched book that provides for an interesting and informative read. The writer’s approach to the story is a bit different as it is presented from a female’s perspective which gives for a bit of a twist to what could be simply another war story. Recommended 4 star read.

[Carla Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

I enjoyed this book so much! I was entertained and educated at the same time! So many of the events happened just before and during my lifetime. I thought the author did a great job of researching these world events. I highly recommend.

[patricia sendelbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provided an overall perspective to the time of my young adult life while these events took place.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the advance copy of your book. Interesting way to present three different wars through a fictional family timeline.

[Bre3924 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and learned quite a bit of history along the way. Well written and believable relationships between characters. Recommend highly.

[Emily Holman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good book. It goes back and forth a lot so hard for someone with ADD maybe but over all good story. And good detail.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Charlotte’s War, Graham drops the reader into the middle of the twentieth century. Following Charlotte Fletcher from her young adulthood through adulthood, parenthood, and grandparenthood, Graham places her in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the contentious political situation in the early Cold War. Part II of the book focuses on Charlotte’s perspective and her son Jack’s perspective, following his life diverging away from his mother. Graham’s knowledge of the socio-political situation allows him to weave fictionalized perspectives for both Ho Chi Minh and Henry Kissinger into this book, and he does so in a humanizing and fascinating way. Providing an accessible and interesting insight into this complex period of human history, Graham personalizes the various events and individuals while also maintaining the readability of a historical fictional text. Graham’s prose and characterization are excellent, his characters occupying fascinating positions and situations; yet the dialogue at times feels stilted and generic. However, the dynamic events within the book (fictionalized and inspired by history) make up for the dry dialogue. Charlotte’s War provides an interesting, if slightly complex, introduction to twentieth century history from a fictionalized perspective following a single family from China to California to Boston and back to California.

Thanks to NetGalley, Greenleaf Book Group, and Greenleaf Book Group Press for the advance copy.