The Last Detail: A Story of Innocence Lost and Redemption Found

The Last Detail: A Novel

by Project Learning Tree

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	920 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	218 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Last Detail is a novel by Darryl Ponicsan that was first published in 1970. The novel tells the story of two Navymen, Billy "Badass" Buddusky and Richard "Mule" Mulhall, who are tasked with escorting a young sailor, Larry Meadows, to prison. Along the way, the three men learn about themselves, the Navy, and the complexities of life.

Buddusky and Mulhall are both career Navymen who have seen their share of combat. They are tough, cynical, and world-weary. Meadows, on the other hand, is a young, naive sailor who has never been outside of the United States. He is innocent and idealistic, and he believes that the Navy is a place where he can make a difference.

As the three men travel from Norfolk, Virginia, to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, they begin to learn about each other. Buddusky and Mulhall come to see that Meadows is not the naive kid they thought he was. He is intelligent, resourceful, and has a strong sense of justice. Meadows, in turn, comes to see that Buddusky and Mulhall are not the heartless bullies he thought they were. They are complex men who have been hardened by their experiences in the Navy.

The journey to Portsmouth is not an easy one. The three men face a number of challenges, including bad weather, mechanical problems, and hostile locals. But through it all, they learn to rely on each other. They also learn that there is more to life than just following orders. There is also compassion, friendship, and redemption.

The Last Detail is a powerful and moving novel about innocence lost and redemption found. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish it.

Characters

• Billy "Badass" Buddusky: A career Navyman who has seen his share of combat. He is tough, cynical, and world-weary.
• Richard "Mule" Mulhall: A career Navyman who is Buddusky's best friend. He is also tough, cynical, and world-weary.
• Larry Meadows: A young, naive sailor who has never been outside of the United States. He is innocent and idealistic.

Themes

• Innocence lost: The novel explores the theme of innocence lost through the character of Larry Meadows. Meadows is a young, naive sailor who believes that the world is a good place. However, as he travels with Buddusky and Mulhall, he begins to see the darker side of life. He learns that there is evil in the world, and that sometimes innocent people suffer.
• Redemption: The novel also explores the theme of redemption. Buddusky and Mulhall are both flawed characters who have made mistakes in their lives. However, they are also capable of great compassion and kindness. As they travel with Meadows, they begin to see the error of their ways. They learn that it is never too late to change, and that they can still make a difference in the world.
• Friendship: The novel also explores the theme of friendship. Buddusky, Mulhall, and Meadows are all very different people. However, they come to care for each other deeply. They learn that friendship is more than just spending time together. It is also about being there for each other through thick and thin.

Setting

The novel is set in the United States in the early 1970s. The three men travel from Norfolk, Virginia, to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Along the way, they stop at a number of different places, including a diner, a motel, and a bar. The setting of the novel is important because it helps to create the atmosphere of the story. The diner, the motel, and the bar are all places where people come together to share stories and experiences. This helps to create a sense of community, which is important to the characters in the novel.

Style

The novel is written in a realistic style. The author uses simple language and straightforward prose. This helps to create a sense of immediacy and authenticity. The reader feels like they are right there with the characters, experiencing the events of the story firsthand.

The Last Detail is a powerful and moving novel about innocence lost and redemption found. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish it.

The Last Detail: A Novel

by Project Learning Tree

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	920 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	218 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE