Vietnam Wives

by Aphrodite Matsakis

Book Overview

As the children of Vietnam veterans reach the age at which their fathers went overseas, veterans and their families, especially their wives, face new stressors in mid-life. Even twenty-five years... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1886968004
• ISBN13: 9781886968004
• Release Date: May 1996
• Publisher: Sidran Press
• Length: 440 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Vietnam Wives

A must for all wives of Viet Nam combat vets, it was recommended by many in the veteran counseling field..

Worth every penny

This book is not just for Vietnam wives, but the veteran, his family and anyone who wants to be informed about PTSD. It examines how the disorder is developed and how it affects the victim and everyone around him/her. The goal is to gain insight about how PTSD can be recognized, treated and ultimately lived with in a manageable state. It is clearly written and can be understood by non-professional people.

Revised review BE AWARE OF DECEIT

PLEASE READ revision BELOW. I MADE THIS REVIEW BEFORE I KNEW THE TRUTH ABOUT LYING MEN WHO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HONEST WOMEN. I was married to a Vietnam Vet for 18 years. I knew his problems were war related but didn't realize the depth of all of his depression and violent behavior. In the introduction of this book, I read what other wives have written and wept. I was one of those women that lived in a unsure and abusive world. A world that I had to protect my children from. My boys are adults now and the effect their father had on them before I left him has left scars. One son has gone on to study history and specifically Vietnam. He's the one with chronic depression and he is just finally understanding that his dad does love him, he's just numb. My youngest son still distances himself from his father. In time he will understand the truth. Years have passed since my divorce. I have met another Vietnam Vet. He has some of the same symptoms. I will work on this relationship, because my Vet deserves to have someone love him and be there for him. I can only say that this book has helped me to understand the men of the Vietnam War era and appreciate what they went through for their country, for their families. I grieve for them and their horrid experiences in Vietnam. I have listened for countless hours to tales of unbelievable suffering. I love my Vietnam Vet. I know that he is and always will be trying to overcome his past. I will be there for him to support him and I will not take anything personally except the love that he shows. He is a very sexy, strong, intelligent individual who experienced hell in a place he didn't want to be at a very young age. I salute him and all the Viet Vets who served and are still there in their minds. God bless them and their wives and families. This is an awesome book that can only hit your heart if you have been there as a wife and a soldier. I see the mental anguish, and can only understand it because I have also experienced emotional trauma as a wife and as a child. Face those fears with someone you love and trust. A moment at a time. UPDATED 11/06: Only a few months after reading this book and trying to understand this Vet I was "in love" with, I found out that he was a romantic deceiver. This PTSD man has ruined my life by taking everything I have. He lied to me about who he was and then tried to kill me, because I questioned his claims. Women beware of who you are "falling" for. Have them checked out before it's too late. This deceiver told me that he was a POW in Vietnam and a helicopter pilot that saved everyone. He is a hero only in his eyes. He is a liar, PLEASE BE CAREFUL, BEWARE OF MEN WHO DECEIVE. KEEP YOURSELF SAFE FROM ROMANTIC LIARS.

A Must-have for spouses or lovers of vets-this is the one!

This has been the most helpful tool guiding me in forming a close relationship with an friend of many years. The information here is essential. The author tells you what you must know it in order to understand your loved one and cope with stress-related behaviors. There are many helpful suggestions and resources listed. Author is an expert in Viet vets and PTSD. As a nurse with 20 yrs experience and a strong background in psychology, who has had a number of vet friends & coworkers, I knew a little about Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Yet this book has really made a difference - I couldn't have managed without it. If you are in a relationship with a vet or even contemplating one, get this!