Calmed

Main Themes and Topics

Calmed by Jennifer Hobbs explores the profound themes of love, trauma, and healing. The book delves into the emotional intricacies of a romantic relationship forged under the intense circumstances of military deployment in Iraq. Through dual perspectives, it paints a vivid picture of how love can both flourish and falter amidst chaos and external pressures. The narrative also touches on issues of coping with trauma, the difficulties of separation, and the journey towards reconciliation and healing. The story is ultimately one of resilience, demonstrating how two individuals navigate through their struggles to find solace in one another.

Writing Style and Tone

Hobbs employs a candid and immersive writing style that captures the raw emotions of her experiences. The dual narrative perspective adds depth, allowing readers to connect with both protagonists' inner thoughts and emotions. The tone is a poignant interplay of tension and tenderness, capturing the highs and lows of a relationship tested by extraordinary circumstances. Hobbs' honest prose ensures an authentic portrayal of military life and its impact on personal relationships, creating an engaging and heartfelt read.

Brief Summary

Calmed is a compelling true story that chronicles the lives of Jennifer and Ryan, two young soldiers with contrasting backgrounds, who come together during a deployment between Baghdad and Abu Ghraib, Iraq. Their relationship, mostly nurtured beneath the cover of mosquito nets due to prohibitive military regulations, encounters a major setback when an explosion disrupts their lives. Forced to face their grief in isolation, both must find their paths to healing amidst the aftermath of war. As the narrative unfolds, readers witness their struggles with trauma and the subsequent destructive behaviors that emerge. Despite these challenges, love ultimately guides them back to one another, offering a story of redemption and renewed trust.