Death Coming Up The Hill: A Novel

“What I wished for the new year was peace at home, in Vietnam, and the world. A normal life. Was that too much to ask for?”

This line highlights the struggles faced by children against the backdrop of fractured families and countries ravaged by war. It reflects the universal desire for peace and stability amidst the chaos and upheaval of conflict. This statement signifies the innocence shattered by the harsh realities of war, where children yearn for a sense of normalcy, highlighting their simple yet profound desire for an end to the turmoil affecting not just their immediate surroundings but also broader global conflicts.

“How does a guy deal with being torn between two people he loves?”

This line reveals Ashe’s emotional struggle and the helplessness he experiences when caught between conflicting loyalties towards his parents. This sentiment reflects the dilemma faced by Ashe as he grapples with the dissolution of his family unit. The line highlights Ashe’s internal conflict, torn between his equally strong affections for both his mother and father, and portrays the emotional turmoil caused by the fractured relationships within his family.

“The thing is, there are all kinds of grenades in life; you don’t have to go to Vietnam to find them.”

Ashe’s realization reflects that conflict and turmoil exist beyond the boundaries of the Vietnam War. This statement underscores Ashe’s introspection about the presence of figurative “grenades” in life, symbolizing various forms of conflict and upheaval, not necessarily confined to a war zone. Ashe perceives the pervasive nature of strife and turmoil, reflecting on the parallels between the conflicts experienced in Vietnam and the tensions within his own family life.