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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Swinging Away: A Celebration by Victor Pearn is a memoir that invites readers to witness a life shaped by military service, personal reflection, and an enduring love for poetry and nature. From his formative years in Illinois to the sandy shores of Hawaii, Pearn shares stories with warmth, sincerity, and a poet’s eye for detail. The narrative opens with his draft notice in 1969 and follows his journey through the Marine Corps, offering glimpses into boot camp, radio repair school, and his time stationed at Camp Pendleton and Kaneohe Bay. Pearn’s style flows easily between prose and poetry, weaving memory and verse to enrich the work’s emotional texture. His recollections are introspective and often convey a sense of tranquility, especially during his time in Hawaii.
Family, faith, and education are recurring themes. Victor Pearn's devotion to his wife and daughters, struggles and successes in the classroom, and spiritual awakening during a life-threatening health crisis are conveyed with honesty and grace. His reflections on race, culture, and politics, especially during national and personal upheaval, give the memoir additional depth without veering into bitterness. Readers will appreciate how seamlessly Pearn blends storytelling and poetry. His poems aren't interruptions but rather complement the stories, offering insight into his emotional world. Whether he’s recounting baseball games or navigating the complexities of post-military life, there’s a gentleness to his voice that makes the book especially pleasing. I felt he was in the room with me, sharing his story. Swinging Away is a memoir of one man’s experiences and a reflection of the small moments that quietly shape a meaningful life. It’s an inspiring and engaging read for anyone drawn to stories of personal growth, historical memory, and poetic expression.
