The Second Self

by Roger M. Duncan

The Second Self takes an honest look at what happens to soldiers after they return home from war. Following the journey of Jake Sheridan, we first see PTSD through his eyes as a young boy staying the summer at his uncle’s ranch. His uncle Floyd is a WWII veteran who can’t seem to control his rage or where it’s directed. Jake is confused by the inconsistent personalities of his uncle and conflicted by his own swinging emotions—terrified of his uncle’s unexpected outbursts, and thankful for his loving devotion. Jake’s story continues as he, too, goes off to war when he gets drafted to serve in Vietnam. Following him through his harrowing experiences as a soldier, we see the seeds of PTSD take root in Jake. And as more friends die and the battles add up, the darkness inside him grows. By the time Jake finally returns home, he’s never felt more alone in his life. Every time he tries to reach out to positivity in his life, his second self rises up and ruins whatever goodness he’s found. This is a story of courage and redemption, of fighting against all hope to hold on. The battle is long and hard and bleak as hell, but there is life after war.

416 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 2014