Dress Gray [Hardcover]

 

 

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I really enjoyed this book. It had the requisite ingredients for a good thriller. It had richly drawn, convincing characters and several subplots that worked with the original story line. The descriptions of cadet life were insightful and informative. The writing was military: crisp, sharp and neat. The story presentation was fresh and interesting and to the author's credit, he manages to keep readers on edge, wanting more.

I really enjoyed this book and I would gladly recommend it.

Wow what a great adventure You will not be able to put this classic down! As I say, its Undownputable. Great from start to the excitintg climax.

Summer leave is about to begin a few days. Do you think you can make it through the rest of the year without anything eventful happening? Think again, your life is about to become a whole lot more interesting. Dress Gray by Lucian Truscott reveals just how quickly the life of a cadet can change. America viewed West Point in 1968 as a producer of fine young men to feed the war in Vietnam. Many anti-war groups opposed the ideals behind the ancient institution but its prestige lived on. The reputation of the school on the Hudson had to be preserved at all costs. When a dark secret about their own is about to reveal more then a pretentious commandant wants the public to know, he will do what ever necessary to hide it. At the bottom of it all is Ry Slaight, an upperclassmen who finds himself part of an elaborate cover-up where he is the key to secrecy. On a mission himself, Ry finds the truth and then must decide what he should do with it. Will he accept the bribes of tactical department or do the honorable thing and have justice served. In Dress Gray, Lucian Truscott was able to make one feel what it was like to be a member of the corps. The narration and the dialogue felt so real, as if the story actually happened. Truscott was able to illustrate the way cadets think, feel, and act, revealing how deceiving and cunning they can be. The plot flows smoothly, balancing the story between the cadet's investigation and the commandant's cover-up. What emerges is story that keeps you reading until the last lie is told. The themes addressed in the novel were very touchy at the time; therefore, the plot of covering scandal and misconduct seemed so necessary. The Vietnam War was raging on the other side of the world and protestors were looking for any excuse to attack the military. The last thing West Point needed was more attention. A dead cadet found floating in a lake that might have been murdered would have gotten the ball rolling. What if he turned out to be a homosexual? Were there hate crimes being committed at West Point? Was the home of America's finest harboring social deviants? The need to prevent the public from pondering these questions would force the corruption at West Point to stoop to new lows. It reveals just how far people would go to make sure they are not the ones responsible. When others critiqued the book they compared the system of West Point to the mafia. It is sure to stir up some pretty strong opinions from those at West Point. Truscott's novel will make the average reader sit back and question if that is how things are run up there. Dress Gray is a thrilling novel that will leave the reader standing at attention.

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4.0 out of 5 stars entertaining story, but strains credulity
The author actually attended the USMA in the timeframe of the book, so this is probably a pretty accurate view of the odd, cloistered world that was/is West Point (circa... Read more

Published on July 18 2000 by J. K. Kelley

2.0 out of 5 stars Interesting storyline, but...
The author is clearly not fond of his alma mater, and I find it hard to believe that such high-ranking officials at the Academy would be involved in this type of coverup. Read more

Published on Mar 5 2000

4.0 out of 5 stars Giving Civilians a Peek Inside
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Had me guessing all the way through. Okay, so it's not brain surgery, nor is it rocket science. Nonetheless, it's fun to read. Read more

Published on Dec 20 1999 by Jay M Jentoft

3.0 out of 5 stars Hard read for anyone not associated with West Point
This was a good book, even though some ideas were a bit far fetched (evil com, for example). I think in order to truly appreciate this book, you have to be somehow connected to... Read more

Published on Sep 5 1999

1.0 out of 5 stars Whinny
I read this book awhile back and I was not impressed. Truscott sounded like a self-righteous and bitter crybaby who probably should have spent his college years back in the 60's... Read more

Published on July 30 1999

2.0 out of 5 stars Not worth the effort or money.
I bought this book because a friend had recommended it and I read the reviews posted and thought I might learn something about the Academy and enjoy the book at the same time. Read more

Published on July 4 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for anyone
This was a great book. I went to West Point and hated it, this book was very powerful and was almost like being there again.

Published on May 31 1999

4.0 out of 5 stars A good place to start
I bought this book only because I though the sequel sounded interesting. But Dress Gray held my attention better than I dreamed it would. Read more

Published on Dec 26 1998

4.0 out of 5 stars Gives superficial overview of academy
Although this book gives superficial overview of academy, it does bring back memories of the place The good, the bad and the awful. Read more

Published on Nov 11 1998

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent mystery; factual portrail of life at West Point
For anyone considering entering West Point, or any service academy, this novel is a MUST. The portrail was excellent and factual. Read more

Published on Oct 14 1998

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