After the First Death

A bus load of children, driven by eighteen-year-old Kate is hi-jacked by terrorists. Ben's father, Brigadier General Marcus Marchand, US Army, has to deal with it --- and Ben has a part to play. That's the situation on which Cormier hangs an uncompromising investigation of patriotism, betrayal, bravery, the bond between parents and children. There are no easy answers and, in spite of the strong, clear prose, this is not an easy read, intellectually, stylistically or emotionally. But for those who can tolerate ambiguity, and don't mind being made to think and feel, this is a very rewarding book.