The Volunteer by Salvatore Scibona

Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and its aftermath, this novel intricately weaves the lives of its characters through a tapestry of time and place, exploring themes of identity, sacrifice, and the search for belonging. The narrative follows a young boy abandoned at an airport, whose mysterious origins unravel through the lives of a soldier haunted by his past, a mother grappling with loss, and a father seeking redemption. As their stories converge, the novel delves into the complexities of human connection and the enduring impact of choices made in the shadows of history.