Back to Serve: Return of a Soldier

by Cesare Giannetti

Back to Serve is a historical fiction memoir about a soon-to-be-retired army captain, Nico Corretti, who after a career in the military is ready to begin his civilian life with his family. But first, he must out-process and then drive halfway across the country to get home. On the night before his travels, he meets a beautiful Russian woman who informs him that his safety and his postservice stability may be in jeopardy. During his long drive home, he considers the plausibility of her claim and reflects on his past and future. Once home, Corretti relishes the quality time with his family, which includes visiting his father in his hometown. But afterward, he discovers the limited employment opportunities in the slow recovery years after the Great Recession. He undergoes an extended unemployment period before anxiously and dutifully taking a government-contract position abroad, which turns out to be more perilous than he had originally been briefed. And the mysterious Russian woman he met may lead him to some of the answers he was searching for, as well as to some dangers and desires that he wasn’t. Upon completion of his contract job in Europe, he enjoys a well-deserved respite at home. But it’s short-lived, as a swell of terrorist attacks against the United States require (or demand) more of his military service. Torn between being there for his family and his duty to his country, Captain Corretti is coldly reminded that the two actually are mutually inclusive. He’s sent back to a familiar place, the Middle East, and in the process, he may be able to avenge the soldiers he had lost under his command. But he’ll need to reach deeper within himself than he ever has before in order to succeed on the battlefield and in life.

214 pages, Paperback

Published May 2, 2018

Reviews

[MiMi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of history roped into the story which helped make it hold that much more veracity. This was really good. I felt like I could’ve been sitting down in a dive bar myself, sipping on a glass of bourbon or whiskey; listening to this man tell me this exact story; intriguing. It’s the ability to literally draw the reality of when a moment is captured from a soldiers perspective; little snippets of sound easily triggering a memory and mentally transporting one to a time once spent.

A fictional memoir written with actual events. Perfect for anyone who is into World history, baseball, and just the love for all things military. Although I’m none of these things, the writing style kept me turning the pages. The only con would be the whole Russian dialect. I usually don’t mind when conversations in a book are phonetically written but it was bothersome this time around.

Easy to get through

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Cesare for gifting me with a copy of Back To Serve: Return of a Soldier through the Goodreads Giveaways. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent Story

Giannetti pens a magnificent story in Back to Serve: Return of a Soldier. I really enjoyed this page-turner, as there was something about the reality of the world and plot, and how it brought history to life. Even tragic history. Giannetti has a unique writing style, and I'm sure his writing fits his voice, as there were some phrases that were unfamiliar to me, but fit with the story and storyteller. I am honored to read this work from Giannetti, and will definitely read more. Any reader can tell this not only came from experiences, but also from the heart. Giannetti writes "I got a lump in my throat and knot in my stomach. All I could think about was the men I had lost in my unit, who had not made it home. The woman smiled politely as she handed me the trifold American Flag ..." Now, time to read more of Giannetti's work.

[BookTrib.com]

The exact ratio of truth to creative license in Giannetti’s work is unknown, yet, while reading, you tend to feel that it is the author himself — as much as his protagonist — telling you his life story.

Hop aboard this soul-searching journey — whether fact or fiction, it is sure to intrigue.

Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/01/22/back-...

[Bonnie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book! I always like learning the story behind the story because we don't know what our soldiers go through. Thank you for your service!

[Justin Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I've read from Giannetti. The first book, "De facto Pathfinder" is a refreshing character story about a man who wants to make a difference in the lives of former service members who have lost their purpose and meaning. I found the story to be very interesting, and although it was a fictional story, highlighted a true issue that our former military members face after leaving the service. The second was a memoir called "Letters to Sis," which were Giannetti's actual letters he wrote to his sister during his service from enlistment through overseas operations such as in the Persian Gulf. This book is like a combination of the two, where it's a memoir but a fictional story. It follows Captain Nico Corretti, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and unwavering service as he transitions from a life of military duty to the uncertainties of civilian life. Corretti's cross-country drive home becomes a metaphorical exploration of his past, present, and future, marked by an encounter with a mysterious Russian woman who hints at looming dangers. Back home, the harsh realities of a struggling economy challenge Corretti's search for employment, leading him to accept a government contract position abroad, where espionage and international intrigue intertwine. The story balances personal and professional struggles, portraying Corretti's inner turmoil as he grapples with his changing identity and responsibilities. His unwavering commitment to duty clashes with his desire for a peaceful family life, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. As he's drawn back into the world of international conflict, the story escalates to a climactic confrontation, forcing him to confront his past and make a defining choice. The resolution provides closure while inviting reflection on the enduring impact of war and the resilience of the human spirit. Each of Giannetti's works I've read has brought something different to the table in terms of a military theme. It's hard to say which I've enjoyed the most so far but I think this one will satisfy those who want more thrills that are presented in a very realistic way, rather than over-the-top and larger-than-life spectacle. It's a very enjoyable read for anyone who likes stories about a soldier once again figuring their place out in the world and often being forced to go back to the only life they know.

[Jared Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's fascinating to hear about the vividness of Nico's descriptions of New York City in Giannetti's writing. Giannetti's ability to evoke a sense of time and place seems to contribute significantly to the immersive experience of the story.

The integration of historical facts about the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War into the narrative adds depth and context to the story. Giannetti skillfully weaves these elements into the plot, providing a broader historical backdrop to the characters' experiences.
Writing can indeed be a powerful means of processing and expressing emotions, and it seems like Giannetti has used his storytelling as a way to grapple with the complexities of his experiences, including the loss of comrades and the pride in serving one's country. The emotional depth and authenticity described in the narrative suggest a personal and reflective journey for both the character and, potentially, the author. It's great to see literature providing a platform for authors to explore and share their experiences, contributing not only to their own healing but also allowing readers to connect with and better understand various aspects of the human experience.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a compelling fictional memoir that navigates the tumultuous terrain of a retired army captain, Nico Corretti, as he transitions from military life to the complexities of civilian existence. Giannetti uses his own experience and knowledge to craft a narrative that delves into the challenges faced by veterans, exploring the delicate balance between family, personal aspirations, and the ever-present call of duty.

From the enigmatic encounter with a Russian woman to the trials of unemployment and the perils of a government-contract position abroad, Corretti's journey is an odyssey of self-discovery and resilience. Giannetti skillfully captures the intricate web of emotions, dilemmas, and desires that define Corretti's character.

As a reader, I was captivated by the tension between duty and family, a theme that resonates throughout the novel. Giannetti's vivid storytelling keeps you on the edge of your seat, pondering the sacrifices and complexities that come with a life of service. Giannetti's storytelling talent shines in this riveting exploration of sacrifice, duty, and the unyielding commitment to something greater than oneself.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

BACK TO SERVE tells the story of army captain Nico Corretti as he anticipates retirement from service, only to find himself serving his country once again in the next phase of his life. Like in Giannetti’s other book, DE FACTO PATHFINDER, the author offers a sympathetic narrative of a soldier’s ongoing relationship to servitude even after what was meant to be a retirement. Whether it’s through further service as for Corretti or through the lasting physical and mental toll of being in the military, Giannetti conveys how such experiences stick with those who must endure them.

Throughout the book, Corretti deals with a very human battle of impulses, forced to decide whether to choose himself and officially retire or continue in the fight. Ultimately, he chooses the latter, experiencing admirable growth and demonstrating great resolve in his dedication to service. With how intimately Giannetti explores this internal conflict, it is clear he drew from personal experience, making this fictional narrative feel grounded in reality. BACK TO SERVE is a great addition to Giannetti’s catalog of stories delving into the complexities of military service.

[Laurie A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved following the story of Nico Corretti, a retired army captain. Thinking he was going to be a bored retiree when he retired in 2011, Captain Corretti, barely had time to settle into a life of leisure before his adventures began. Such a life fulfilled story following his travels and newfound duties from 2011 to 2017. Follow his mission and meet important and secret people from Budapest, Russia, and Iraq. As most of us who retire, staying relative and active is so important. Captain Corretti did just that. Keeping his family, friends, and work in the picture, his life in this snapshot was meaningful and adventurous. The book includes pictures of the places in his travels, along with maps, and photographs of artifacts and people in the area. Just as meaningful in life are ways to keep us on the same page with those around us, the language of sports also has a way of doing that. Captain Corretti keeps up with sports just enough to make others feel comfortable too. Loved meeting him and seeing life a little differently.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written as a fictional memoir sprinkled with many factual events. Captain Nico Corretti thinks he's retiring from his military service, but current events won't let him transition to civilian life as he had planned. First, he is approached by a mysterious Russian woman with a warning for him. Then, he gets hired under a military contract to go back overseas. Things continue to go downhill for him, but he remains anchored by love for his family and baseball.

I thought it was cool how the story contains an unbiased accounting of actual events and a variety of photographs. The quotations by Billy Joel and Norman Schwarzkopf were perfect. The phonetic Russian dialect was a little annoying, and I'll admit to skipping over the baseball narrative. However, I'm sure there are fans who would love the commentary. I'm certain that history buffs or anybody interested in the middle eastern wars would appreciate reading this memoir.

[Brittany Murhammer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love military history and baseball, this would be for you. While it says it's fiction in the introduction, it feels more like the authors own military experience, with an exaggerated mystery mixed in.

Thank you for your service, Cesare Giannetti.

Thank you Goodreads Giveaways for the opportunity to read this novel.

[Denisele · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and was really excited about the idea of a "fictional memoir". It was a pretty fast read, but from the onset when this main character was entertaining fantasies with other women while his wife was home taking care of their kids, I was put off and annoyed by him. I like to finish what I start, and that's the only thing that kept me going in this book.

[Debbie Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

l really enjoyed the story about Nico Coretti. It was interesting reading. There was a lot of real life history brought into the story which helped place time and events.I thought the part about Nadia the Russian could have been omitted. It didn't make much sense and was hard to read rhe way rhe accents were written

[Paul Klee]

Great Read. Part Fictional Memoir, Part Travelogue. poignant reflections on dive bars, baseball, family, military service and places. Btw guys this is the quintessential bathroom book.