A Year of Absence: Six Women's Stories of Courage, Hope, and Love

by Jessica Redmond

A Year of Absence follows the lives of six women whose husbands, all members of the U.S. Army's First Armored Division based in Germany, deploy to Iraq in April 2003. A young lieutenant's wife comes dangerously close to alcoholism. Marriages are pushed to the breaking point by the constant strain of fifteen months apart. Each morning the women anxiously scan the headlines, wondering if they still have a husband, if their children still have a father. Some form friendships that become their lifeline. Others somehow find courage despite their isolation. Through tearful goodbyes, long-awaited communication from the front, and joyful yet troubled reunions, A Year of Absence captures what life is like for many families of deployed soldiers: the ever-present fear of death, the pressures of single-parenthood, and the strength and comfort that come with the support of close friends. Book excerpt Jena was strolling home from walking the dog when she noticed an official U.S. Army car carrying two soldiers in Class A uniforms heading toward her street. She felt her pulse quicken and, without meaning to, she started doing the math. If the soldiers stopped at her building, there was a one-in-twenty-four chance that Adam was dead. If they stopped at her stairwell, it was one-in-eight. Don't come down here, she prayed silently. Please let it be somebody else.

Genres: Military Fiction

232 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an emotionally moving book and a must read for any military wife.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

So brave of these women to share their personal stories. I appreciated their honesty. Being a military wife has great rewards, but the challenges are equally great.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book for trying to understand what wives left behind during deployments face. Since the author chronicles six women there is a lot to cover. I liked that the women chosen for the book all were at different places in their lives both military career wise, marriage wise, and the ages of the children they had, if they had any. To truly understand what living through your spouse going to a war zone for 15 months you would have to live it but this at least gives you a glimpse into their world.

[Anissa Rajala · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me in tears. For those you have deployed soldiers, it will put you in tears. For those you have "had" deployed soldiers, it will bring back the memories. For those who do not have or have not had deployed soldiers, it brings a lot of insight to what a family member goes through. Great sense of togetherness and support.

I highly recommend it!

[Jami · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought it was interesting. It made me tear up a little. Army wives have gotten tougher since this was written though. All the wives I meet seem completely unfazed (or maybe numb) by their husbands 3rd and 4th deployments. I'm surprised she got six women to talk about it. When I try to get insights or advice the women, without exception, clam up and shrug their shoulders.

[Brittanyshapiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that got it right!!!
I love this book because every woman's story was a bit different in more way than one.
I know, and knew, women just like them.
I read this book after borrowing it from the library on post. I went on Amazon.com and bought it. I will be recommending to anyone who will listen.
Thank you Jessica for giving us a way to share with the world what its really like.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful and quick read! I enjoyed this book because I too am a military wife and found a lot of answers and insight by reading this novel. I highly recommend reading it. I also cried my eyes out numerous times during this book, so be prepared! :)

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband worked with the author's husband and really respects him. It was nice to feel like I was getting the real story about what it's like for military families. She showed several points of view, and it was unbiased.

[Roya Lorge · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to know what it's like to be a military wife, read this book. Caution - do not read if your husband is deployed!