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MWSA Review
Gerald Gillis' Finding His Own Way is a bloody, realistic novel about a young Virginia boy who finds himself and his path in the Marine Corps.
A ne'er-do-well in high school, Dylan Rafferty didn't get along with rules or his father. After one too many run-ins with the law, a judge gives Dylan a choice: jail or the Marines. Though his USMC time got off to a rocky start, it wasn't too long before Dylan proved himself in combat and learned valuable life lessons. But would he survive the war and live long enough to use them?
The author captures Pacific Island combat in vivid detail and spares nothing when describing the horrors of combat against the Japanese. The conflict in Dylan as he struggles to maintain his humanity is interesting and treated very well, and the ending of the book ties things up nicely, leaving the reader wanting to hear more about a character they have grown to love.
Fans of military fiction, World War 2 stories, Marine stories, or just good historical fiction will appreciate this book.
Review by Rob Ballister (June 2025)
Author's Synopsis
On the eve of World War II, Dylan Rafferty is a troubled young man who runs afoul of the law and is given the choice of either the county jail or the U.S. Marine Corps. Dylan chooses the Marines, whereupon he begins a journey that will dramatically change the trajectory of his life. As the war unfolds, Dylan joins the 2nd Marine Division in time enough to participate in the invasion of Tarawa where, through the exigencies of war, he suddenly finds himself in a role as a small-unit leader.
Dylan also sees action in the battles at Saipan and Okinawa. He suffers wounds, loses buddies, and does his part in the brutal, bloody Pacific war.
Along the way, Dylan finds a Marine officer who takes an interest in him, and who mentors and challenges him into becoming a better Marine. That same officer convinces Dylan that he can grow and achieve far more than he otherwise thought possible.
Finding His Own Way, A Marine Novel, is an inspiring story of a young man who discovers much about himself in the dire circumstances of war, together with the support of his fellow Marines and a young lady back home. Dylan joins a long line of Rafferty men who have distinguished themselves in the service of their country.
Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle
Review Genre: Fiction—Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 283
Word Count: 101,500