Dear Author Jack Deveny,
Your novel, By Her Own Hand, is an unflinching portrayal of trauma, loyalty, and the search for redemption in the aftermath of war. This is a story about Eliot Lange and Madeline Crowne, veterans with emotional wounds who bond over their suffering and longing for connection. Your writing style illustrates the psychological impact of fighting in Afghanistan. I also appreciated that you addressed the challenging adjustments made when returning home.
Eliot and Madeline are two well-developed characters who have impressive depth. Eliot is haunted by guilt over his best friend Will’s PTSD and tragic fate, while Madeline wrestles with her wartime actions and a traumatic childhood. Their relationship is both a refuge and a crucible, as they struggle to heal each other while confronting their own demons. The enigmatic Mira and the vulnerable John as supporting cast add further layers of complexity. Their characters illustrate how violence and compassion can coexist within the same individual.
You do not shy away from the brutal realities of war—graphic depictions of combat, the chaos of PTSD, and the moral ambiguity of survival. The courtroom drama that unfolds in the latter part of the novel is particularly compelling. It emphasizes the obstacles veterans face when seeking justice in a system that doesn’t grasp the nuances of their experiences.
What elevates By Her Own Hand is its refusal to offer simple answers. Redemption, if it comes at all, is hard-won and incomplete. The novel’s conclusion, with Eliot and Madeline planning to help others like themselves, is both hopeful and bittersweet. Your work is a powerful meditation on the costs of war, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring need for empathy. I highly recommend your book to readers seeking a thoughtful, emotionally resonant exploration of trauma and healing.
With warm regards,
Penelope Samson-Dillard for Dear Author Book Reviews/Speak Up Talk Radio