Thanks so much for taking the time to review! I got your other comment, too and I am thinking it over. It’s a bit like “What is Water?” I think – in that if the protagonist were the soldier’s mother she would already be indoctrinated into the military lifestyle and not see the tension and conflict as clearly as the bride’s mother who is crash-coursed into what it means to be a soldier’s support system at a crucial time in American history. This change disconnects her forever from mainstream American culture.

No religion in the story. But yes, the belief that if everything is done exactly right, the soldier will come home safe. Love conquers all. That throwing herself at supporting her daughter and new husband will tip the odds. Naive belief or optimism that she will survive unscathed, that she controls her life and the outcome.

Interesting. I haven’t read anything out of the bible since 2nd grade. I saw this story as a mix of the midwestern work ethic, the belief that America is always in the right, the bad guys will always get what they deserve. A limited world view that was sufficient and comforting for her until events from Iraq crushed it and forced her to see the world as a more dangerous and unjust place – the world that many Americans were feeling after the violence of 9/11.

I’ll look at the Book of Job. Thank you again!