Eyes Right

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 7. MAI 2012

In this bold and intriguing memoir, Crow (An Unlawful Order, as Carver Greene) chronicles her life as a female Marine in the late 1970s and early 80s, centering her narrative on her affair with a general that almost resulted in her being dishonorably discharged from the military. In an effort to escape the instability of her childhood and a bout with alcoholism, Crow graduated from high school, promptly joined the Marines in 1977, and was soon assigned to Public Affairs as a journalist. In addition to recounting her many accomplishments, including promotions and earning an expert badge at the rifle range, she unflinchingly describes her numerous struggles and humiliations, from the ectopic pregnancy that caused her to hemorrhage for four days while covering a Mountain Warfare Training program, to enduring the derision and childish antics of her male colleagues, to considering desertion in the face of a Court Marshal. Occasionally "the only woman surrounded by a thousand men," Crow likely owes her survival to her impressive and relentless resolve. Crow's is an engrossing story, and her impeccable storytelling skills bring her battles and triumphs in the military and at home vividly to life. Photos.