I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Two cousins are torn apart by the Vietnam War and the tragedies that follow in authors Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman’s “All the Broken Angels.”

The Synopsis

Two cousins. Two paths. One unforgettable era. This award-winning historical fiction novel follows the transformative journey of Cate and Albie. Cousins and best friends, they are raised in 1960s New Jersey under the watchful eyes of their family and strict Catholic school nuns. Their bond seems unbreakable. Then the Vietnam War erupts, tearing them apart.

• Albie, driven by faith and patriotism, enlists in the military and is stationed at a base along the South China Sea nicknamed Paradise.
• Cate protests the war, challenges her upbringing, and seeks purpose by immersing herself in the bohemian counterculture of New York’s Greenwich Village while enduring life in a low-rent tenement in the gritty Hell’s Kitchen district.

Tragedy strikes, and her world unravels. With the support of her family and an eclectic group of friends—artists, activists, and veterans—Cate embarks on a journey of resilience and personal transformation. Travel back to a pivotal era when men marched off to war and women burned their bras. This compelling novel explores the:

• Emotional toll of the Vietnam War
• Rise of feminism and LGBTQ+ movements
• Conflict between faith, patriotism, rebellion, and personal freedom
• Strength in kinship, friends, found family, and community

All the Broken Angels is a profound exploration of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of a generation that resonates far beyond the final page.

The Review

What a thought-provoking and compelling read. The authors wrote in a way that felt very transportive, allowing the reader to feel transported back in time to an era of war, the fight for peace, and the evolution of a society as a whole. The authors found a perfect balance between character development and historical context, allowing the era to come to life on the page without sacrificing the originality and heart behind each character’s evolution throughout the narrative. 

Balance was the key to this book. The authors were able to present each side of this conflict, from the soldiers and veterans impacted physically and mentally from the war, to the protestors and activists who seek to end the war and fight against injustice, while touching upon some important themes. The culture and family dynamics that were explored through these characters were especially unique, as readers were able to not only get a glimpse into how this conflict impacted a family torn apart by differing values, but also connected by a shared belief and a love for one another. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and heartfelt, authors Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman’s “All the Broken Angels” is a must-read historical fiction meets drama narrative. The complex themes of social justice, equality, gay pride, veteran rights, and so much more were so subtly yet passionately written about, and the relatability of the character and the depth of detail about the era will resonate with so many readers that they will return to this book again and again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Authors

Pat Black-Gould, PhD, is an award-winning author, speaker, and clinical psychologist whose work bridges storytelling and the human psyche. Previously, Pat worked as a director, producer, and playwright in New York and New England.

https://www.patblackgould.com/

Steve Hardiman has worked as an IT and communications consultant, and talk-radio host and producer. His writing includes ghost-written nonfiction articles selected as cover stories in multiple industrial trade publications and scripts for over seventy instructional videos.

Recently retired, he and his wife Angela are raising their grandson. In his spare time, he writes, travels, and is an avid photographer. All the Broken Angels is his first work of published fiction.