A review by libtusks
Collateral by Ellen Hopkins

2.0

This book would be best read by someone with no ties to the military, because those that do have ties will find that the story is incredibly inaccurate – even if it is fiction.

The story revolves around Ashley, a grad student, who falls in love with Cole, an active duty Marine. The book is written from both the viewpoint of Ashley and Cole but overall Cole’s voice is lacking. We mainly see Cole’s voice in his poetry and through the e-mail exchanges that he has with Ashley during deployments. However, Hopkins essentially paints him as an animal that cannot control his urges, rather than someone damaged by war. Violence is just one aspect of the collateral of war, the impact takes on a deeper psychological role that is missing from this book.

Hopkins also paints a picture of two women who cannot be faithful to the men they supposedly love who are serving in the military. Darian’s (Ashley’s best friend who is married to Spence, another marine) story seems more tangible than that of Ashley.

I would recommend that everyone read the book for themselves and create their own opinion.