The Reason You’re Alive by Matthew Quick is a stark but touching novel, written in first person. The contemporary story is told by a Vietnam veteran who is constantly at odds with a country he served to protect. The story mostly takes place in Philadelphia.
David Granger, sixty-eight, wakes up in a hospital after a car accident. Tests show that David has a brain tumor that he attributes to his wartime Agent Orange exposure. A surgeon opens his skull and performs the necessary surgery. As he’s waking up from the surgery, he speaks the name of a veteran he knew in Vietnam, a man he calls Clayton Fire Bear, a Native American from whom David stole a precious item. He still feels deep guilt about what he took from this man and is determined to return the item even though it’s forty years later.
David is now a widower. His son and beloved granddaughter live close by. David loves his adoring, seven-year-old granddaughter, but is constantly at odds with his son, an art dealer who feels his father is a racist and bigot. David’s daily attire is camouflage and he carries a gun in an ankle holster.
A strong Republican, David is constantly at odds with the world, specifically with the American government, and particularly with its involvement in Vietnam. He doesn’t always like or understand the reasons behind life-altering decisions.
The Reason You’re Alive is a rough, tough story told by a no-nonsense man who uses colorful language. He’s a loyal American, but one who doesn’t always approve of the way his country is headed. The language David uses is graphic, even crude, but through it all is a man dedicated to his country, and a loyal friend to those who accept him. Some readers will be turned off by the profanity used, but looking beyond that reveals a treasure of loyalty and honor, a man guided by his vision of right and wrong.
I enjoyed this story. I have six family members who have served in the armed forces, though none in Vietnam, and I can appreciate the sacrifices so many have made. The horrors of war are brought home in the form of PTSD, life-altering injuries, and shattered families. The main character, David, is outspoken about the use of Agent Orange and the damage it has done. He blames Washington politicians for not adequately researching the consequences of Agent Orange further before using it so liberally in Viet Nam. Throughout the story we see love and acceptance, loyalty and bravery, and an opportunity to examine our own prejudices. This novel isn’t for everyone, but I’m glad, even thankful, I read it.