Review: Reluctant at first to read... but WOW, I am glad I did!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 22, 2013
I have given "Into Deep Waters" a 5-star rating as it deserves it and my whole hearted recommendation.I once was a teacher and also an English major in my undergraduate degree. I am also a 60 year old gay male and  my father was a WWII veteran who suffered mental anguish after the war. I didn't want to read a war novel or a dull memoir.  Reluctantly, I thought I would give it a try.  The novel had set in my wish list for some time and I waited to see what others would have to say about the novel.  Based on so many glowing reviews, I decided to give it a try and downloaded the sample.  It didn't take long before I quickly completed the download and read it in a day!The story covers the early stages of this budding, loving and endearing relationship as the relationship struggles to survive the war and the deep emotional and physical scars that are left in its wake.  Various highlights of Daniel Arcadi's and Jacob Segal's life are captured and captivate the reader as the reader is drawn into the typical issues that face gay relationships over time.  As the time period was one that covers tremendous challenges for gay people to rise up out to oppression, the view from the eyes of Daniel and Jacob hint at what it was like for gay couples daring to hope that just maybe there would be some form of acceptance during their lifetime.  The end of the story is touching and still brings tears of joy as Daniel and Jacob fulfill a lifelong dream.This story is not always easy to read, but I found the rewards far outweigh the anguish of war.  This story is based on a letter and a photo of two men who found each other and stayed together as a loving, committed couple.  I do not know how much research was done by the author, Kaje Harper. Whether through a vivid imagination or observation of veterans and older gay couples, the author has created a story that is not only believable but enduring. Kaje does not sensationalize the grim aspects of war nor glosses over its harsh reality.  Rather, it is told from the perspective of two men that do what they have to do to serve their country, survive, care for others and care for each other in a horrific situation. I found myself experiencing the anguish, fear and stress of what it was like for so many as they hope and pray for their loved ones away at war. What I most like is Kaje's respect for the reader's ability to relate to the experiences and views of the characters to build an emotional bound with the story. The story is focused on the experiences of Daniel and Jacob and world events as they experience them.I highly recommend "Into Deep Waters" for the romantic who can look past the harsh events experienced by Daniel and Jacob during the war and who can enjoy following a loving couple through various stages of life and who cope with the challenges of ageing.