The Half Life
Following the death of her brother in the Vietnam War, Eileen O’Malley buries her grief and pain in a quick marriage to handsome naval officer Paul Archer. The two set off for Paul’s next posting on the small Italian island of La Maddalena, where he will serve aboard a submarine tender as the head of Radiological Controls.
Eileen tries to acclimate to life on the island, learning how to make local dishes, speak the language, and find community with the other Navy wives. But the locals are not pleased with the American presence of nuclear-powered subs in the Maddalena Archipelago, and protests begin to erupt. Things take a dark turn when whistleblowers reveal possible nuclear contamination in the water. Struggling in her marriage and drawn to those protesting the environmental impact, Eileen awakens to new thoughts and ideas, putting her life—and her heart—at risk.
Prepare to take a lovely, meandering stroll around the sun-drenched island of 1970s La Maddalena. But watch out for the shadows of the Cold War as darkness mixes with light and loyalties are tested. You will walk along the winding stone streets with Eileen as she navigates this exotic world and grows from a naïve young wife to a woman whose eyes are now opened to the dangerous realities of the Cold War. Beanland’s incredibly detailed research is evident on every page, delivering an immersive, enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
