Facing the Wall: A Mission

By Mary S. King

A poignant and deeply personal memoir, Facing the Wall chronicles the long and painful journey of a wife navigating life alongside a Vietnam War veteran living with PTSD. Through raw, intimate, and unflinchingly honest storytelling, Mary S. King reveals the emotional toll of war's invisible wounds-not only on those who served, but also on the families who stand beside them, often carrying burdens that go unseen and unspoken.

With vivid detail and emotional depth, she captures the strain on marriage, the quiet battles fought within the home, and the day-to-day realities of loving someone haunted by memories of war. Moments of confusion, frustration, and heartbreak are woven together with enduring love and unwavering commitment, painting a powerful picture of what it truly means to persevere. King does not shy away from the complexities of trauma-its unpredictability, its lingering presence, and its impact on identity, relationships, and the sense of normalcy.

At its core, this compelling narrative is a story of resilience. It reflects the strength required to remain hopeful amid hardship, and the courage it takes to seek understanding in the face of pain. Through her journey, King offers readers a deeply human perspective on sacrifice, compassion, and the long road toward healing.

Facing the Wall is more than a memoir-it is a heartfelt testament to endurance, a tribute to those who fight battles long after the war is over, and an illuminating read for anyone seeking insight into the lasting effects of trauma and the power of love to endure through it all.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GZRLJTCZ
• ISBN13: 9798891752252
• Release Date: May 2026
• Publisher: Msk Publications
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

This should become a classic

Mary S. King has written a book that should be required reading for every American citizen. She deserves a Vietnam Service Medal, as she has served, and continues to serve our country in an honorable way. She has taken her marriage vows seriously, as she loves and supports her combat veteran husband, Jim, who is still suffering from his wartime experience. With this book,she invites us into their world. It is a world of broken dreams. She has had to accept that the early promise of her marriage to a decent, caring man, has deteriorated into a lifetime of fighting horrendous demons of the war. With great bravery, she takes over the role of breadwinner and support system for her husband, who is too damaged mentally and emotionally to handle that role. She loves her husband and their two sons fiercely, going above and beyond the call of duty as she stands by Jim through his depressions, flashbacks, and eventual hospitalizations in the VA. It is only after he is officially diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome that things improve somewhat. As Mary notes, "when you fight PTSD, or any illness, it is easier to struggle against it when you know what the demon is that you are fighting." Their ensuing trip to The Wall in Washington, D.C. is an emotionally wrenching scene that is hard to forget. This book provides great insight into the true emotional, physical, mental and spiritual costs of war for veterans, their family and friends. Mary is a true American heroine, standing for the values of faithfullness, courage and hope. Her story speaks for legions of women who have paid a steep price for loving a war veteran. I know of what I speak, for I was once a "Vietnam wife." How sad that this book is so timely, as the Iraq war rages on. Fortunately, the wives,sweethearts, and families of our veterans in this latest war, will have this book to inform, inspire and encourage them. It's a book Mary, myself and so many others wish we could have had many years ago, when there was nothing written for or about us. Thank you Mary, for shining a light on us!

Facing the Wall: A Mission

As I reread Mary's words, it was as if an old friend was telling me a new story. This book covers all the trials of a young family coping with the after effects of a trauma, in this case a war. It maps out an unknown path with twists, turns and blind alleys. It is an overview of a battle to "just make it through" the days. Facing the Wall is a recounting of love that is deep and "a mission" that continues.