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A Police Action
A Police Action is a gripping coming-of-age Vietnam War-era romantic novel. It is the story of two lost confused young adults. It is love at first sight when nineteen-year old Samantha Powers meets James Coppi at the country Honky Tonk in Colorado Springs. There are just two problems for a storybook ending for Samantha's passion. She is pregnant with someone else's child and James, a young soldier, is heading for a war in Vietnam.
Will this instant attraction be enough to form a lasting bond? What will happen after James is deployed? Will he return home safely, and, if so, will it be for Samantha? Follow along as the young lovers mature through individual hardships and those that they share.
Will this instant attraction be enough to form a lasting bond? What will happen after James is deployed? Will he return home safely, and, if so, will it be for Samantha? Follow along as the young lovers mature through individual hardships and those that they share.
- GenresMilitary Fiction
252 pages, Hardcover
Published October 31, 2017
3 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
A.A. Freda
7 books61 followersA. A. Freda is an award winning author who writes about life experiences he's had or people he's met along the way.
All of his works are rated four stars or better by most reviewers.
Freda grew up in New York City and now resides in Easton, CT, a suburb of New York City that offers him a tranquil environment that allows him to keep his finger on the pulse of the city he loves so much. A graduate of Bernard Baruch College at the City University in New York, he has served as an adjunct professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. Freda also served in Vietnam the subject matter of A Police Action. In addition to writing, in his spare time, Freda enjoys fishing, hiking, climbing and shooting pool.
All of his works are rated four stars or better by most reviewers.
Freda grew up in New York City and now resides in Easton, CT, a suburb of New York City that offers him a tranquil environment that allows him to keep his finger on the pulse of the city he loves so much. A graduate of Bernard Baruch College at the City University in New York, he has served as an adjunct professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. Freda also served in Vietnam the subject matter of A Police Action. In addition to writing, in his spare time, Freda enjoys fishing, hiking, climbing and shooting pool.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 7, 2017
Whether you are a student of human history or if you lived through the Vietnam (not a) War era, A.A. Freda’s A POLICE ACTION will resonate with true emotional grit, while carefully sidestepping the raw horrors of the war that wasn’t. This is as much a love story as it is the story of war. Two young people, one, a young and brash soldier entrenched in the nightmare of Vietnam, the other, the idealistic young woman he left behind.
Samantha and James met by chance, a twist of Fate, and their budding relationship would be tested from the very beginning as Samantha opens both her heart and life to James, a young soldier who, in many ways was a fixer, seeing a problem as a solution not yet created. They were each young and naïve, but James’ street savvy would pull them both through the trials they each would face as he became a larger-than-life hero in the eyes of Samantha. Was he ready to assume that responsibility? Was he good enough for the kind-hearted girl he barely knew? Was he ready to settle down when he came home from Vietnam? Would he be the same person? Would Sam?
James is a hustler, he became the go-to guy for his fellow soldiers, he also became a knowledgeable thorn in the side of his superiors, but he was smart and rode the envelope with apparent glee. James also saw death, the ugliness of war, the heroes, the cowards and the innocence of the “newbies.” Even as Sam’s letters told of her love for him, she kept her own struggles as a young woman alone in the 60s to herself, her dreams of James’ return like fluffy pink hearts in her mind. James never gave completely of himself, his letters were short, black and white, both sparing Sam the details of battle and holding his heart back. Was it insecurity that kept him from admitting his feelings? Was it the unknown he faced every day?
A.A. Freda has captured the "human" atmosphere of the era, the young love, the desperate need to feel alive and as normal as a young soldier could feel when tossed into a land where he became both political and cannon fodder. This is a story of self-doubt, coming of age and learning to trust in a future. Mr. Freda has done a remarkable job of serving up a slice of the life lived by so many while still providing some humor and heart!
I received a complimentary review copy from A.A. Freda!
Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co. Inc. (November 26, 2017)
Publication Date: November 26, 2017
Genre: War Saga | Coming of Age
Print Length: 409 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Samantha and James met by chance, a twist of Fate, and their budding relationship would be tested from the very beginning as Samantha opens both her heart and life to James, a young soldier who, in many ways was a fixer, seeing a problem as a solution not yet created. They were each young and naïve, but James’ street savvy would pull them both through the trials they each would face as he became a larger-than-life hero in the eyes of Samantha. Was he ready to assume that responsibility? Was he good enough for the kind-hearted girl he barely knew? Was he ready to settle down when he came home from Vietnam? Would he be the same person? Would Sam?
James is a hustler, he became the go-to guy for his fellow soldiers, he also became a knowledgeable thorn in the side of his superiors, but he was smart and rode the envelope with apparent glee. James also saw death, the ugliness of war, the heroes, the cowards and the innocence of the “newbies.” Even as Sam’s letters told of her love for him, she kept her own struggles as a young woman alone in the 60s to herself, her dreams of James’ return like fluffy pink hearts in her mind. James never gave completely of himself, his letters were short, black and white, both sparing Sam the details of battle and holding his heart back. Was it insecurity that kept him from admitting his feelings? Was it the unknown he faced every day?
A.A. Freda has captured the "human" atmosphere of the era, the young love, the desperate need to feel alive and as normal as a young soldier could feel when tossed into a land where he became both political and cannon fodder. This is a story of self-doubt, coming of age and learning to trust in a future. Mr. Freda has done a remarkable job of serving up a slice of the life lived by so many while still providing some humor and heart!
I received a complimentary review copy from A.A. Freda!
Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co. Inc. (November 26, 2017)
Publication Date: November 26, 2017
Genre: War Saga | Coming of Age
Print Length: 409 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 14, 2018
A Police Action was the story of a young guy, James Coppi, who has been drafted into the Vietnam War in order to avoid trouble with the law. He didn't have any real goals, and didn't know what he wanted to do with his life-- he just always kind of drifted from trouble to trouble. While at Fort Carson, he meets a young girl in trouble and wants to help her. He instantly like Sam, but seems afraid of commitment. During his tour of Vietnam, he finds out how bad war can be. Many friends die, he sees betrayal and injustice. From the descriptions provided and details of little things, the reader gets the definite impression that the author is writing from his own experience over there. Sam loyally sticks by him despite his lack of anything permanent regarding their future together. It all ends up working out for the good in the end, and who doesn't like happy endings? The only thing I found irritating in the book was the way that Sam had to bribe James to do almost anything (painting a room with her, shopping with her, etc) by "making it worth his while" later... which that's one thing if it's once in a while to be playful or as a joke, but something else entirely if it is all the time. Why would a person stick with someone they have to bribe or manipulate to do everyday things with that are just a normal part of a relationship? In my eyes, that isn't a real relationship... if not for that, I would have given the book a higher review.
I received the book for an honest review from the author, thank you.
I received the book for an honest review from the author, thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2017
A POLICE ACTION/Angelo Freda
Raising the bar…
In a substantial and gripping look at military life, author Angelo Freda has stitched together a rivetingly clear pattern of his character’s inner growth against the background of the U.S. campaign in Vietnam, one of the more bitter and divisive wars the U.S. has been part of.
His novel, A Police Action, invites readers to be privy to the conflicts that lurk behind conflict — two countries hurtling end-game desires against each other, officers and infantrymen jousting, lifers arguing with short timers, the con man grappling with his better side … and soldiers going off to war while their lovers’ fingers trail desire in the air after them …
Freda’s war is a messy business, messy in personal relationships with those left behind, messy in relationships with others on the front, messy in the effort just to eat and to stay clean. Freda puts his Bronx good guy, James Coppi, in the midst of all of the above and allows the emergence of a man who knows how to look into the heart of what he is about and to create there something of worth. Good Read!!
Raising the bar…
In a substantial and gripping look at military life, author Angelo Freda has stitched together a rivetingly clear pattern of his character’s inner growth against the background of the U.S. campaign in Vietnam, one of the more bitter and divisive wars the U.S. has been part of.
His novel, A Police Action, invites readers to be privy to the conflicts that lurk behind conflict — two countries hurtling end-game desires against each other, officers and infantrymen jousting, lifers arguing with short timers, the con man grappling with his better side … and soldiers going off to war while their lovers’ fingers trail desire in the air after them …
Freda’s war is a messy business, messy in personal relationships with those left behind, messy in relationships with others on the front, messy in the effort just to eat and to stay clean. Freda puts his Bronx good guy, James Coppi, in the midst of all of the above and allows the emergence of a man who knows how to look into the heart of what he is about and to create there something of worth. Good Read!!
June 4, 2021
Set in the late 1960s, Freda’s fast-paced, captivating action thriller series vividly combines romance and action to build a story steeped in intrigue.
For the lovely nineteen-year-old Samantha Powers and the young soldier James Coppi, the spark flies at once after they meet in the Country Honky Tonk in Colorado Springs. But Samantha is pregnant with someone else's child, and James is all set to go to Vietnam to join the war. Will the couple separate forever or unite after James returns from Vietnam?
Set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the second installment sees James and Sam get entangled in a high-profile kidnapping case after two dangerous criminals kidnap the lovely fourteen-year-old Penelope Campos.
In the third installment, the story takes place some seven years later, with Sam and James married and the owners of a successful private business and a vast Colorado ranch. When family friends’ only son is found murdered on the streets of Washington DC, Sam and James step in to investigate the case, unaware a sinister conspiracy is going to upturn their own lives.
In the fourth installment, James finds himself face to face in a dangerous situation after a group of armed terrorists attacks the First Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas, with an intention to carry out a mass massacre.
Freda’s deft touch brilliantly portrays his characters’ fears, insecurities, apprehensions, and hopes as he touches on the relevant themes of marriage, family ties, evolving relationships, friendship, regrets, loss, grief, and trauma. Along the way, he explores teenage sexual abuse, gender and racial discrimination of the era, PTSD, political conspiracies, and global terrorism.
James, with his sharp intellect, competence, and reflective nature makes for a memorable protagonist. His ability to look into odd situations with clarity and perception makes him all the more endearing as a private eye. Sam is a thorough darling. Her candor, fiercely driven nature, and innate stubbornness make it impossible for the reader not to root for her. Her relationship with James is realistic, and their sizzling sex scenes will keep romance lovers invested.
The couple’s relationship keeps on evolving, but action and thrill remain at the heart of the series. Freda seamlessly juggles various plot twists, efficiently tying all the loose ends and bringing each mystery to a satisfying close. The realistic portrayal of military life (Freda borrows from his own memories of Vietnam War), the intriguing political conspiracies, intricate young adult drama, and relationship upheavals add to depth and substance while the sharp dialogue, fast-paced action, and expert pacing keep the pages flying.
Each book in the series is pretty much a stand-alone, but reading the series in order will be beneficial, considering Sam and James’s relationship keeps evolving and there are continuous developments in their life as a couple.
The ongoing ups and downs of the characters’ lives, the multifaceted plotting, and the way Freda’s adept storytelling effectively blends individual struggles with universal concerns the series a must-read.
For the lovely nineteen-year-old Samantha Powers and the young soldier James Coppi, the spark flies at once after they meet in the Country Honky Tonk in Colorado Springs. But Samantha is pregnant with someone else's child, and James is all set to go to Vietnam to join the war. Will the couple separate forever or unite after James returns from Vietnam?
Set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the second installment sees James and Sam get entangled in a high-profile kidnapping case after two dangerous criminals kidnap the lovely fourteen-year-old Penelope Campos.
In the third installment, the story takes place some seven years later, with Sam and James married and the owners of a successful private business and a vast Colorado ranch. When family friends’ only son is found murdered on the streets of Washington DC, Sam and James step in to investigate the case, unaware a sinister conspiracy is going to upturn their own lives.
In the fourth installment, James finds himself face to face in a dangerous situation after a group of armed terrorists attacks the First Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas, with an intention to carry out a mass massacre.
Freda’s deft touch brilliantly portrays his characters’ fears, insecurities, apprehensions, and hopes as he touches on the relevant themes of marriage, family ties, evolving relationships, friendship, regrets, loss, grief, and trauma. Along the way, he explores teenage sexual abuse, gender and racial discrimination of the era, PTSD, political conspiracies, and global terrorism.
James, with his sharp intellect, competence, and reflective nature makes for a memorable protagonist. His ability to look into odd situations with clarity and perception makes him all the more endearing as a private eye. Sam is a thorough darling. Her candor, fiercely driven nature, and innate stubbornness make it impossible for the reader not to root for her. Her relationship with James is realistic, and their sizzling sex scenes will keep romance lovers invested.
The couple’s relationship keeps on evolving, but action and thrill remain at the heart of the series. Freda seamlessly juggles various plot twists, efficiently tying all the loose ends and bringing each mystery to a satisfying close. The realistic portrayal of military life (Freda borrows from his own memories of Vietnam War), the intriguing political conspiracies, intricate young adult drama, and relationship upheavals add to depth and substance while the sharp dialogue, fast-paced action, and expert pacing keep the pages flying.
Each book in the series is pretty much a stand-alone, but reading the series in order will be beneficial, considering Sam and James’s relationship keeps evolving and there are continuous developments in their life as a couple.
The ongoing ups and downs of the characters’ lives, the multifaceted plotting, and the way Freda’s adept storytelling effectively blends individual struggles with universal concerns the series a must-read.
November 16, 2017
Another fabulous, un-put-down-able coming-of-age drama by A A Freda.
Set against the back drop of the Vietnam War, our young couple - Sam (Samantha) & Coppi - meet shortly prior to Coppi being deployed, and facing the horrors of war leaving his young lover back home to cope alone.
The odds are stacked against the couple from the outset of their beautiful, turbulent romance, and we are drawn in to their chaotic story, hoping and wishing all the way.
A A Freda writes brutally honestly and has a real gift for character writing. His characters are so vividly real, so beautifully flawed in their humanity, you feel as though you are sitting at the table catching up with old friends. These are not fictional characters, they are human beings with heart, soul, fragility and failings.
He also writes so authentically about a period of recent history unimaginable still to so many of us, and yet the reality for so many such young people, who took war in their stride when they were little more than boys.
Your connection will be instant, deep and long lasting and you will fall in love with A A Freda's gift for story telling.
March 29, 2019
Now that I have time to review this book, here it goes.
James Coppi and Samantha Powers meet at a bar. It is love at first sight. The next few weeks are a whirlwind as James helps Sam work through her problems, and James prepares for war, the Vietnam war. The two are inseparable - until James decides that commitment isn't for him. Sam pleads with James to not make a decision on their relationship until he gets back from the war in 6 months. Not knowing if their love and relationship will last, James is shipped off to Vietnam and Sam lives a "good girl" life in Colorado while she waits for him to return home.
This book was really disappointing. Based off of the summary of the book, I had high hopes. I love a good historical fiction love story. But, this one, it just didn't make the cut for me. A.A. Freda knows a lot about war and sex, I'll give him that, but this book was really lacking in many areas. For starters, there was way too much dialogue and not enough description of what was going on with both characters. The only time that there was actual description was when James and Sam would have sex, and there was too much description in those areas if you ask me. I'm not into books that reveal a lot about a sexual encounter, so if you like those steamy kinds of things, then by all means read it. But, if you do not like your books filled with sex, then this book is not for you.
Another problem I had with this book is that it was very fast-paced. Again, there was not a whole lot of description - just a bunch of talking. It seemed like the author's writing style was "and then this happened, and then this happened, and then this happened." There was a lot of telling, and hardly any showing in this book. A reader wants to be shown a story, not told a story.
I also felt like both characters were pretty flat. Both characters did have periods of growth, but they didn't seem to change that much. Sam and James both really didn't have a relationship. There relationship was mainly sex. I also thought it to be weird that James was flip-floppy. One minute he wanted to break it off with Sam, and the next he was co-signing her on his bank account and leasing an apartment with her. It just didn't make sense.
Nothing really happened to James when he went to the war. Some of his friends were KIA which is enough to really affect a person, but it seemed that James was always getting out of going on details or fighting in a skirmish. He also always talked back to his superiors, and I know that if this were real that that would not have flown in the army. James was always getting out of things, and he seemed to have it so easy compared to the other soldiers. I would have enjoyed this book a lot more and been able to sympathize with James if something had happened to him physically. James is also a con-artist and he is always basically stealing money from his buddies. I really couldn't sympathize with him at all.
I could go on and on about the things I did not like about this book. I sort of liked the ending, but I felt like it was unrealistic, too. I won't include that comment to save spoilers. I give it a 2 out of 5 because it really wasn't all that great. Nothing extravagant happened to the characters, and I've always learned in my writing classes that if your characters aren't going through the wringer, then your audience will lose interest. That's what happened to me with this book. I do not recommend.
I was paid and given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
James Coppi and Samantha Powers meet at a bar. It is love at first sight. The next few weeks are a whirlwind as James helps Sam work through her problems, and James prepares for war, the Vietnam war. The two are inseparable - until James decides that commitment isn't for him. Sam pleads with James to not make a decision on their relationship until he gets back from the war in 6 months. Not knowing if their love and relationship will last, James is shipped off to Vietnam and Sam lives a "good girl" life in Colorado while she waits for him to return home.
This book was really disappointing. Based off of the summary of the book, I had high hopes. I love a good historical fiction love story. But, this one, it just didn't make the cut for me. A.A. Freda knows a lot about war and sex, I'll give him that, but this book was really lacking in many areas. For starters, there was way too much dialogue and not enough description of what was going on with both characters. The only time that there was actual description was when James and Sam would have sex, and there was too much description in those areas if you ask me. I'm not into books that reveal a lot about a sexual encounter, so if you like those steamy kinds of things, then by all means read it. But, if you do not like your books filled with sex, then this book is not for you.
Another problem I had with this book is that it was very fast-paced. Again, there was not a whole lot of description - just a bunch of talking. It seemed like the author's writing style was "and then this happened, and then this happened, and then this happened." There was a lot of telling, and hardly any showing in this book. A reader wants to be shown a story, not told a story.
I also felt like both characters were pretty flat. Both characters did have periods of growth, but they didn't seem to change that much. Sam and James both really didn't have a relationship. There relationship was mainly sex. I also thought it to be weird that James was flip-floppy. One minute he wanted to break it off with Sam, and the next he was co-signing her on his bank account and leasing an apartment with her. It just didn't make sense.
Nothing really happened to James when he went to the war. Some of his friends were KIA which is enough to really affect a person, but it seemed that James was always getting out of going on details or fighting in a skirmish. He also always talked back to his superiors, and I know that if this were real that that would not have flown in the army. James was always getting out of things, and he seemed to have it so easy compared to the other soldiers. I would have enjoyed this book a lot more and been able to sympathize with James if something had happened to him physically. James is also a con-artist and he is always basically stealing money from his buddies. I really couldn't sympathize with him at all.
I could go on and on about the things I did not like about this book. I sort of liked the ending, but I felt like it was unrealistic, too. I won't include that comment to save spoilers. I give it a 2 out of 5 because it really wasn't all that great. Nothing extravagant happened to the characters, and I've always learned in my writing classes that if your characters aren't going through the wringer, then your audience will lose interest. That's what happened to me with this book. I do not recommend.
I was paid and given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2020
I am a Vietnam War junky so I can honestly say that I appreciated the author's ability to accurately capture and depict this distinct time, attitude and place. However, I was fooled by the title of this book. I love that while this is a romance, many of the hot/sticky romance scenes are skipped over and instead we are left to our imagine. The plot and character development are developed and intricately described. You honestly have to appreciate the historical accuracy, the fact that you as the reader are left to imagine certain scenes and the author tackles, addresses and gives light to the culture of the 1960's (in subtle ways). These subtle lessons make you appreciate the book even more. The two main characters and their love story are told throughout the whole book leaving you highly anticipated for the final chapter which won't leave you disappointed!
January 25, 2020
Another wonderful read! Impossible to pit this book down once you've picked it up! Full of action, humor, love and mystery. I highly recommend this book!
November 18, 2017
I found it funny how everyone went to James Coppi for a loan; though there were times it seemed as if he didn't have a sense of responsibility, but he was responsible when it counted. I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2019
Had a lot of grammatical and punctuation errors. Poor character focus: though James was the protagonist, it was Sam whose character development is evident. The relationship between James and Sam's weren't realistic and baseless.
January 8, 2021
Review of 'The Police Action'
An action story and love story in one; the Vietnam war seen through the eyes of a troubled young conscript.
The title of this book refers to the pseudonym used by the US administration for the war in Vietnam. It is not about police, not even military police. This book, the first in a series of four, describes in some detail the tour of duty of a young conscript named James Coppi. However it is a lot more than that. It is also a journey of discovery for our hero as he battles to make sense of his private life.
Coppi is an Italian American from the Bronx. He is not your average draftee. For a start he's smart. He's streetwise, a bit of a con, and he's funny. It is impossible not to like him. It takes considerable skill to write a book about the Vietnam war which is both entertaining and informative. Even while describing troop deployment and gun maintenance he kept my attention.
Those of us of a certain age will recall the political fallout over this war. Using Coppi as his mouthpiece, Freda leaves us in no doubt about his views on the conflict. However he also uses this book to educate us about it.
His characters are rich and varied, ranging from the 'lifers' who Coppi detests to the other draftees who are there for a variety of reasons. It is fascinating as a civilian to read how these different groups co-exist and how the commissioned and non-commissioned ranks interact. Quite an insight into army life. It is through Coppi's dealings with the other men on tour that we learn so much about him. For example we learn that he is regarded as the best field soldier in the platoon and seen as officer material.
Alongside the story of James Coppi's experiences as a conscript in the US army is the struggle he has sorting out his love life. At the start of the book he is running away from a failed relationship in NY. Before he leaves for Vietnam he is embroiled in another one in Colorado. Coppi has difficulty committing. His tour of Vietnam is as much about his struggle to sort out his private life, as it is his legendary survival skills in the army. He admits to the brigade clerk Bailey, that he realises he has no fear of dying; it's living that frightens him. This is the theme that underpins the book.
Back in Colorado is his lover Sam who is counting the days anxiously until his return. She expects James to return to her arms but also realises the fear James has of setting down. She sees the good in him. The hustler image he creates as a front, a cover-up for an insecure man with a caring and generous nature. In fact we often see this side of him in Vietnam, as well as the larrikin.
The book alternates between Sam and James' burgeoning relationship and the war narrative. This works very well. Freda writes with the intimate knowledge of someone who has experienced Vietnam first hand. Indeed his style has an autobiographical ring to it. There is an authenticity about his writing which makes it very convincing. He is able to get inside his characters' minds.
He doesn't shy away from including sexual themes either if they are part of the development of his characters and their relationships. In fact some of his writing challenges the conventional mores of the time while at the same time giving us an insight into them. Sam's landlady for example is a straight- laced church-goer as are Sam's parents. How Sam and James deal with them is interesting and quite modern for the 70's.
This book has been very informative and insightful for me as I lived through this era. Indeed I protested against the Vietnam War. For anyone unfamiliar with this particular theatre of war I am sure you will be enlightened and educated. It was certainly more than a 'police action'.
A.A.Freda is a very polished writer. He has the ability to write action fiction with strong underlying moral themes. I am looking forward to reading the remaining books in this series.
Note re rating. This book really deserves 4.5 stars but that is not an option on this site.
An action story and love story in one; the Vietnam war seen through the eyes of a troubled young conscript.
The title of this book refers to the pseudonym used by the US administration for the war in Vietnam. It is not about police, not even military police. This book, the first in a series of four, describes in some detail the tour of duty of a young conscript named James Coppi. However it is a lot more than that. It is also a journey of discovery for our hero as he battles to make sense of his private life.
Coppi is an Italian American from the Bronx. He is not your average draftee. For a start he's smart. He's streetwise, a bit of a con, and he's funny. It is impossible not to like him. It takes considerable skill to write a book about the Vietnam war which is both entertaining and informative. Even while describing troop deployment and gun maintenance he kept my attention.
Those of us of a certain age will recall the political fallout over this war. Using Coppi as his mouthpiece, Freda leaves us in no doubt about his views on the conflict. However he also uses this book to educate us about it.
His characters are rich and varied, ranging from the 'lifers' who Coppi detests to the other draftees who are there for a variety of reasons. It is fascinating as a civilian to read how these different groups co-exist and how the commissioned and non-commissioned ranks interact. Quite an insight into army life. It is through Coppi's dealings with the other men on tour that we learn so much about him. For example we learn that he is regarded as the best field soldier in the platoon and seen as officer material.
Alongside the story of James Coppi's experiences as a conscript in the US army is the struggle he has sorting out his love life. At the start of the book he is running away from a failed relationship in NY. Before he leaves for Vietnam he is embroiled in another one in Colorado. Coppi has difficulty committing. His tour of Vietnam is as much about his struggle to sort out his private life, as it is his legendary survival skills in the army. He admits to the brigade clerk Bailey, that he realises he has no fear of dying; it's living that frightens him. This is the theme that underpins the book.
Back in Colorado is his lover Sam who is counting the days anxiously until his return. She expects James to return to her arms but also realises the fear James has of setting down. She sees the good in him. The hustler image he creates as a front, a cover-up for an insecure man with a caring and generous nature. In fact we often see this side of him in Vietnam, as well as the larrikin.
The book alternates between Sam and James' burgeoning relationship and the war narrative. This works very well. Freda writes with the intimate knowledge of someone who has experienced Vietnam first hand. Indeed his style has an autobiographical ring to it. There is an authenticity about his writing which makes it very convincing. He is able to get inside his characters' minds.
He doesn't shy away from including sexual themes either if they are part of the development of his characters and their relationships. In fact some of his writing challenges the conventional mores of the time while at the same time giving us an insight into them. Sam's landlady for example is a straight- laced church-goer as are Sam's parents. How Sam and James deal with them is interesting and quite modern for the 70's.
This book has been very informative and insightful for me as I lived through this era. Indeed I protested against the Vietnam War. For anyone unfamiliar with this particular theatre of war I am sure you will be enlightened and educated. It was certainly more than a 'police action'.
A.A.Freda is a very polished writer. He has the ability to write action fiction with strong underlying moral themes. I am looking forward to reading the remaining books in this series.
Note re rating. This book really deserves 4.5 stars but that is not an option on this site.
January 24, 2018
Army draftee James Coppi is headed for Vietnam. Tension is high in his Colorado barracks. Coppi and his comrades are training to fight a war in the jungle, and with only ten months left of his tour he just wants to live long enough to muster out and go home to the Bronx. Coppi’s decision to go into town with the others his first Friday night becomes a major turning point in his life.
He meets Samantha (Sam), a woman that catches his eye. Disregarding all the pitfalls associated with becoming involved with Sam, Coppi jumps into a relationship with her immediately. The fact that she has a major problem that needs to be dealt with as well as his impending departure for war adds layers of complexity to their feelings about each other that may be misconstrued for love. And if it is love, will it survive until they are reunited?
Freda writes about war with the knowledge of someone who has lived those horrible minutes, days or years. He brings the intensity of war to life bringing the reader into the jungle with him. The sounds, smells, heat and fear are felt with every word. The horrors of battle are not whitewashed; Coppi’s and possibly Freda’s feelings about the war the government referred to as a Police Action are evident.
The relationship between Sam and Coppi seems superficial. Perhaps it is the characters themselves. Coppi admits he is a con man and not necessarily a good person. Yet he steps in taking care of Sam when he doesn’t even know her. He is difficult to like because he is basically a loan shark, does not pay any attention to his superiors, ignores little things like getting back to base on time and yet seems to save the day every time. Somehow I find it very unlikely that he would have gotten by virtually unscathed after being AWOL several times in the span of a month. The Lieutenants, Majors and Sergeants give him a wink every time he does something stupid just because he can’t seem to follow direct orders. That is the only part of the military segments that was unrealistic to me.
Sam alternates between an efficient woman and a whiny girl. The conversations she has do not sound like a grown woman, yet she is working, living on her own and has been on her own before she meets Coppi. The fact that she conveniently brings God into the mix at times does not ring true. She admits to partying and picks up Coppi and sleeps with him the day they meet. The character is like two different people, making the reader question who she really is. Unfortunately her shallowness became really annoying.
I recommend this book for those who are interested in reading fiction about Vietnam by an author with first-hand knowledge. If you are looking for a love story, A Police Action has all of the elements, but I am not convinced the execution is satisfying to the reader.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review. Copyright © 2018 Laura Hartman
He meets Samantha (Sam), a woman that catches his eye. Disregarding all the pitfalls associated with becoming involved with Sam, Coppi jumps into a relationship with her immediately. The fact that she has a major problem that needs to be dealt with as well as his impending departure for war adds layers of complexity to their feelings about each other that may be misconstrued for love. And if it is love, will it survive until they are reunited?
Freda writes about war with the knowledge of someone who has lived those horrible minutes, days or years. He brings the intensity of war to life bringing the reader into the jungle with him. The sounds, smells, heat and fear are felt with every word. The horrors of battle are not whitewashed; Coppi’s and possibly Freda’s feelings about the war the government referred to as a Police Action are evident.
The relationship between Sam and Coppi seems superficial. Perhaps it is the characters themselves. Coppi admits he is a con man and not necessarily a good person. Yet he steps in taking care of Sam when he doesn’t even know her. He is difficult to like because he is basically a loan shark, does not pay any attention to his superiors, ignores little things like getting back to base on time and yet seems to save the day every time. Somehow I find it very unlikely that he would have gotten by virtually unscathed after being AWOL several times in the span of a month. The Lieutenants, Majors and Sergeants give him a wink every time he does something stupid just because he can’t seem to follow direct orders. That is the only part of the military segments that was unrealistic to me.
Sam alternates between an efficient woman and a whiny girl. The conversations she has do not sound like a grown woman, yet she is working, living on her own and has been on her own before she meets Coppi. The fact that she conveniently brings God into the mix at times does not ring true. She admits to partying and picks up Coppi and sleeps with him the day they meet. The character is like two different people, making the reader question who she really is. Unfortunately her shallowness became really annoying.
I recommend this book for those who are interested in reading fiction about Vietnam by an author with first-hand knowledge. If you are looking for a love story, A Police Action has all of the elements, but I am not convinced the execution is satisfying to the reader.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review. Copyright © 2018 Laura Hartman
July 5, 2020
Through A Police Action, A. A. Freda tells us the gripping story of the horrific Vietnam U. S. campaign which has stitched together the riveting story of James and Samantha, who fall in love at first sight. Like his other works, here we also find a prominent growth in his characters all along the fast paced story.
The author exposes us to the bigger scene where the daily conflicts in the disturbed land is actually the result of the two countries' pointless rivalry. The citizens are thrown into ultimate chaos as all of them fight to thrive. Arguements and joustling among common mass are prevalent as we find the con man grappling with his better side and young men march to the warfront leaaving behind their lovers.
The war shook up the very base of the society, the personal relationships with those left behind, relationships with the soldiers, even the peoples' right to food and hygiene was at stake. Freda puts his Bronx good guy, James Coppi, in the midst of this chaotic environment and allows him to act up and join the fight for survival while giving him an insight into his heart, showing him what he desires and wants. We also see James grow as a lover getting to know himself and what he is truly worth.
The author exposes us to the bigger scene where the daily conflicts in the disturbed land is actually the result of the two countries' pointless rivalry. The citizens are thrown into ultimate chaos as all of them fight to thrive. Arguements and joustling among common mass are prevalent as we find the con man grappling with his better side and young men march to the warfront leaaving behind their lovers.
The war shook up the very base of the society, the personal relationships with those left behind, relationships with the soldiers, even the peoples' right to food and hygiene was at stake. Freda puts his Bronx good guy, James Coppi, in the midst of this chaotic environment and allows him to act up and join the fight for survival while giving him an insight into his heart, showing him what he desires and wants. We also see James grow as a lover getting to know himself and what he is truly worth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2018
A Police Action by A A Freda is a love story set admidst the Vietnam War that no one wants to acknowledge A Police Story As the hero James Coppi calls it. But it is not for those who want a typical Mills and Boons romance, it is real down to earth story of two individuals and their growth as their love grows. Neither it is a war story about the horrors of war nor paints a rosy picture of the military life but presents as it is where soldiers have to look out for themselves and bonds they make and pay for the incompetency of some idiotic and delusional in-charges
When I started the book I did not know what it would be about and after a few chapters felt whether I would finish it as the story felt a little slag but the story progressed I had to just finish it and could not put down even when my eyes just couldn't remain open. I just had to know What happened to Sam and James?
After finishing the book I am still wondering about the other minor characters in the book whether they survived the war, returned to their families even though I know this is fiction. This was how real it was in the second half. A good read indeed .
When I started the book I did not know what it would be about and after a few chapters felt whether I would finish it as the story felt a little slag but the story progressed I had to just finish it and could not put down even when my eyes just couldn't remain open. I just had to know What happened to Sam and James?
After finishing the book I am still wondering about the other minor characters in the book whether they survived the war, returned to their families even though I know this is fiction. This was how real it was in the second half. A good read indeed .
July 13, 2018
A Police Action is a beautiful story about two young people, a soldier about to go to war in Vietnam, called James Coppi, and a troubled girl without much self-confidence called Sam. As they meet by chance at a pub and engage in a romantic relationship, Sam starts a person's growth but at the same time gets enormously dependant on James, who is rather shy of committing himself to any woman, although they're living together while he's stationed in Colorado. While in Vietnam, James understands his true feelings for Sam, but it too confused and worn out to do something about it, so he makes a mistake, but Sam is not precisely one to give up once jet mind is set up.
This is a cute love story about two troubled persons, considering the conservative religious upbringing of Sam and tv's very traditional Italian and Catholic background of James, adding his difficulties in making commitments. The maturation produces in both characters ous shown throughout the story, who's plot is well developed and ships consistency with the characters evolution. It had been a very nice read.
This is a cute love story about two troubled persons, considering the conservative religious upbringing of Sam and tv's very traditional Italian and Catholic background of James, adding his difficulties in making commitments. The maturation produces in both characters ous shown throughout the story, who's plot is well developed and ships consistency with the characters evolution. It had been a very nice read.
December 4, 2018
This is probably the best novel written about the waning days of the Viet Nam war I've read so far. The story is about a young New York boy from the Bronx, drafted to fight in Viet Nam along with his fellow soldiers, and the girl he met while in training in Colorado. James Coppi is realistic in his expectations of life and the actions that led to why he was drafted into this war. Being pragmatic, Coppi takes advantage of the number of ways he can make money alá "good fellas" from his fellow draftees. What James doesn't expect is meeting Samantha Powers one Saturday night during leave from the base. A coming of age story where both James and Samantha are learning about life and it's cruel ironies, amidst the wonder of first love for both.
Will James come home to Samantha? Will he deem himself worthy of happiness? Will Samantha learn that she can stand in her own two feet and make good choices for herself rather than relying on the men in her life? Will they find happiness together or alone?
Will James come home to Samantha? Will he deem himself worthy of happiness? Will Samantha learn that she can stand in her own two feet and make good choices for herself rather than relying on the men in her life? Will they find happiness together or alone?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2020
The book starts with an interesting meet of Sam and James. The characters are well written but they lack depth. The whole situation of being pregnant with someone else's baby was quickly solved and then kept at side. Once james goes to war there are parallel story lines running where we see both the main characters live their lives and grow. It got a little sad when soldiers died especially the line where hall's kid is born on the same day he died. Super sad.
The book has good narration and hits the right spots for describing the war conditions but fails at romance. The feelings feel very superficial and rushed. At times very immature too like how teenagers would think and behave.
Despite it all what I liked very much was how workplace harrasment and female independence topic was touched upon, albeit a little superficially but still Kudos to the author for highlighting it.
Overall a good read but could have been better if the feelings of characters were explored more in terms of describing and expressing them in words in the story.
The book has good narration and hits the right spots for describing the war conditions but fails at romance. The feelings feel very superficial and rushed. At times very immature too like how teenagers would think and behave.
Despite it all what I liked very much was how workplace harrasment and female independence topic was touched upon, albeit a little superficially but still Kudos to the author for highlighting it.
Overall a good read but could have been better if the feelings of characters were explored more in terms of describing and expressing them in words in the story.
April 25, 2018
Fantastic!
This story kept me entertained from the very beginning. The characters are real and believable. I rooted for James and Sam the entire book. This is a wonderful love story set in a time of such uncertainty. Vietnam gripped the nation and left many unsure which side to be on. The battles James experienced within himself showed that. I highly recommend. I was given this opportunity to read this book by the author in exchange for a fair review. I am so very glad he did! Thank you Mr. Freda.
This story kept me entertained from the very beginning. The characters are real and believable. I rooted for James and Sam the entire book. This is a wonderful love story set in a time of such uncertainty. Vietnam gripped the nation and left many unsure which side to be on. The battles James experienced within himself showed that. I highly recommend. I was given this opportunity to read this book by the author in exchange for a fair review. I am so very glad he did! Thank you Mr. Freda.
April 17, 2018
Love in a time of war
My dad was in Vietnam at the end of the war with the 82nd Airborne Division. He wouldn't talk about his experiences much but this book captured the heat, homesickness and feelings of futility at the loss of young lives.
Before deploying, Coppi captures the heart of Sam- but has she caught his? Idealistic Sam waits longingly in the apartment they shared in Colorado. Will the young man she fell in love with return to her?
My dad was in Vietnam at the end of the war with the 82nd Airborne Division. He wouldn't talk about his experiences much but this book captured the heat, homesickness and feelings of futility at the loss of young lives.
Before deploying, Coppi captures the heart of Sam- but has she caught his? Idealistic Sam waits longingly in the apartment they shared in Colorado. Will the young man she fell in love with return to her?
March 2, 2019
Review to follow.
June 26, 2019
As the name suggests, the book has its setting during the period of the Vietnam war. The story is about two young people who are unsure of their future. A young man Coppi about to be deployed to Vietnam and not sure if he would return alive or continue in military service and a young lady Sam who is pregnant as a result of a one-night stand and has left home trying to figure out what the future holds.
We discover that both Sam and Coppi have good qualities; Coppi is very sympathetic of her situation and show a kind side of himself by taking on the responsibility and supporting her. Many acts of kindness and trust he takes towards making Sam stable mentally, physically and emotionally. Sam in turn reciprocates his kindness by being a tender lover and eventually falls in love with Coppi, who however, still isn’t sure of what he feels or if he is ready to commit to a lifelong relationship.
The military setting in the book is detailed, showing the author is knowledgeable in military service and the war theatre and events are well described without boring the reader. The military life of Coppi shows us another side of him; a hustler, fearless and humorous person.
It is a book with humour and romance. Its description of the sexual acts can be brief and in the next line a new setting is introduced.
As Coppi returns from war, he is still undecided, and it takes a determined Sam to go after him in order not to lose him. The reader is left wondering right to the end, if they eventually get back together and thankfully, they do, though by then, Coppi’s life after the war is a mess.
We discover that both Sam and Coppi have good qualities; Coppi is very sympathetic of her situation and show a kind side of himself by taking on the responsibility and supporting her. Many acts of kindness and trust he takes towards making Sam stable mentally, physically and emotionally. Sam in turn reciprocates his kindness by being a tender lover and eventually falls in love with Coppi, who however, still isn’t sure of what he feels or if he is ready to commit to a lifelong relationship.
The military setting in the book is detailed, showing the author is knowledgeable in military service and the war theatre and events are well described without boring the reader. The military life of Coppi shows us another side of him; a hustler, fearless and humorous person.
It is a book with humour and romance. Its description of the sexual acts can be brief and in the next line a new setting is introduced.
As Coppi returns from war, he is still undecided, and it takes a determined Sam to go after him in order not to lose him. The reader is left wondering right to the end, if they eventually get back together and thankfully, they do, though by then, Coppi’s life after the war is a mess.
Read
January 24, 2018An easy read, cute love story and a very honest opinion of the military and that particular theater of operations. I'll compare the overall story to Ben Affleck's Pearl Harbor, a love story in wartime.Fine job Mr. Freda.
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