Lay Down My Sword and Shield - James Lee Burke

poor conditions that many soldiers died. Being in a POW camp and making it out is always going to impact how you react and feel on returning home. James Lee Burke explores the idea of one man s lost soul after returning from Korea in Lay down My Sword and Shield . As part of a rich Southern family steeped in politics Hack Holland s natural charisma and good looks makes him a shoe in for politics. With the aid of his glamorous wife and loyal brother he is fast tracked to the big leagues. Unfortunately, Hack has a self destructive nature only heightened on his return from a Korean POW camp where he spent 3 years. Something changed in him when he was away and now the ...

To the Bright and Shining Sun - James Lee Burke

part of a proud working class family who have struggled to succeed, but are being beaten left and right. The pure grind of life drips off the page because James Lee Burke is such a poetic writer at times. Although you want Perry to escape his life of near slavery you know that it s almost impossible - death in the mines or in a bar brawl is far more likely. It is the character of Perry that makes the book worthy of reading. If it had just been the constant depression and spirit crushing description of the era I could not have lasted. It was in these dark moments that I felt the time period most, but also areas that made me dislike the book as it was hard going. ...