Good accounting of a difficult subject

Coleman brings to light the history, causes, and long term impact of war induced PTSD. Her use of first-hand accounts from those who have lost veterans to suicide are an important part of the book, bringing an intimate human reality to the psychological struggles she describes. Coleman cites research from many angles to try to create a clear understanding of PTSD, and focuses especially well on why the Vietnam war was "different" from other wars in it's impact on soldiers.

I also strongly recommend Col. Dave Grossman's "On Killing" as an excellent book with a similar goal--understanding the psychological impact of war on the men who fight it.

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Case histories of other experiences blend with damning evidence

FLASHBACK: POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER, SUICIDE, AND THE LESSONS OF WAR comes from the author's own experience of marrying a young Vietnam vet who eventually killed himself. He suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder that at the time was little known: while today it's better known, Coleman here has made it her personal mission to portray techniques for battling the disorder, turning a research project into a series of applied strategies essential for any military family. Case histories of other experiences blend with damning evidence of the government's failure to properly respond to and treat the disorder.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

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this book is so timely, it's frightening how much so

The relevance today of this book is uncomfortably urgent.
I write this review as an israeli however have no desire to use this review as a platform for political opinions. I (like most members of the first world) am busy and concentrate primarily on daily chores. I am not a political activist. I just want to do my work well, go home, play with my children, get the dinner on the table.
However, I need to scream out the importance that Coleman's book focuses on. War- having our husbands, our children, the teachers of our children at schools and so on, living in a situation that effects everyone. That screws up everyone.
We witness the escalation of violence and stress and usually sit back and tsk tsk tsk.
This needs to be addressed and Flashback makes one look directly at this reality. It is much more actual and pertinent to our society than we like to think. In Israel and undoubtedly in the u.s. too, I notice a steady devaluation of human life whilst going along happily with my daily activities.
and the affliction of PTSD.. It isn't a "sexy" or popular topic and in this book Coleman speaks directly, clearly. Approaching the effects of the syndrome via the history and hindsight of Vietnam is central to attaining a perspective that accentuates the relevance, the danger and the fear I have today.

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