Media - Author Amily D'Nas

Reviews - Hear what readers are saying about Beneath the Swaying Willow

"In her debut novel, D’Nas paints a beautiful yet tragic portrait of the struggles faced by American GI’s, and their loved ones, upon returning home from the Vietnam War. Told through the love story of Russ and Nora, and the family and friends by whom they are surrounded, this novel will take you right back to that fractious time in American History when young men were drafted away from their families, sent to a jungle half-way around the world and returned home one or two tours later as mere shells of their former selves. To a time when external chants of “peace and love” were quickly replaced by internal screams, night terrors and hallucinations due to the horrors these soldiers witnessed. Russ and Nora’s story gives readers a detailed look at the dangers of misdiagnosed mental illness, the shame and stigma that often surrounds it and the never-ending battle fought by both the injured and the caregivers who love them." Erik DaRosa- Founder & CEO From Survivor to Thriver

"I hightly recommend Beneath the Swaying Willow. This book not only instantly grabbed my attention, but I also became immediately invested in the characters lives and I couldn't wait to read on to find out what would happen next. For me, my investment in the book was two fold. First, I was caught up with the relationships between the main characters and secondly, and maybe even more importantly, I was stunned by the treatment of our Vietnam Veterans on their return to the United States. This book really gave me a better insight into what these men and their families have had to suffer through." Gretchen D. -Educator

"Beneath the Swaying Willow was quite an emotional journey for me. Being a Vietnam Vet I could see myself in the story. The book kept my interest piqued throughout. Another thing I really liked was the attention to character detail and also the way she set up the scenes. After reading her book I feel she handled an extremely delicate subject matter extremely well. I would give her book a 5-Star rating!" SSGT John Bowen United States Airforce Illustrator Vietnam 1968/ Author of the memoir Eleven Months and Nineteen Days/ Watercolor Artist

"The attention to details relevant to era, be it setting or issues of time, is highly commendable. The author adeptly balances humor, deep emotions and the complexity of life. Especially if you grew up in the late 60's/ early 70's, you may have a recollection of the events and prevalent attitudes within the story occuring within your community. Even if you did not, if you have ever known someone who has struggled with mental health issues or difficult relationships, you will surely be able to identify with the main characters. Minor characters are well developed, help drive the plot and are very likely to remind you of someone you know. If you are a fan of the writing craft, literary devices are well executed throughout the story. I frequently found myself trying to predict events, only to find that it did not end as I expected. A highly commendable inaugural offering for a promising new author." Paul B.- Educator

"A beautiful reflection of a story all too familiar to our generation. A generation raised in the shadow of unappreciated sacrifice and the misunderstanding of the ravages of mental trauma in the face of war." Michelle G.- Somerset Public Library, Head of Technical Services

"I found Amily D'Nas' debut novel, Beneath the Swaying Willow, emotional, entertaining, and important. The story wove relatable characters through their intertwined lives in a small New England town and highlighted in a believable story all their humanness and imperfections. It was a love story that brought you into the main character Nora's life through all its twists and turns. Her sacrifices, her relationships with friends and family, and her loyalty to a man that needed her. Amily did not shy away from the difficult subject of PTSD and suicide, making you feel the gut-wrenching circumstances and feelings the characters are dealing with, in a way that brought tears to my eyes at the end. Very riveting, I didn't want to put it down! She was able to convey what war veterans go through in their struggles to return to life after war, what is waiting for them on their return home, and how that may differ from when they left, in a way the reader felt to understand the character Russ. She told a story of how life continues, but never in the same way, and how nobody ever really knows what is in someone else's head. With the subject of suicide, she was able to convey the hopelessness someone feels before taking their own life. Thank you, Amily D'Nas, for bringing this story to life and boldly addressing the too often stigmatized subject of mental health in all its rawness." Christine R.- Suicide Prevention Training & Outreach Director