The Phony Marine

Generally speaking, I loved this book. The topic is very different and as a military vet (squid), this kind of thing hits home to heart. One sometimes runs into 'war heros' that can't really talk the lingo, etc. About the book: Lehrer follows the transformation of a suit salesman into a "Marine" after he purchases someone else's Silver Star, one of the higer decorations for Valor. The book explores the man's emotions and interactions with others as he goes through this process and how his "transformation" changes his actions in various situation. The book is decently written and the story is compelling; my only beef is that it was too short.

In a remarkably unique twist on "identity theft", Lehrer's main character transforms to a US marine from a menswear salesman, mostly with the help of Ebay auctions and other Internet sources. The plot and the characters are well presented, while the narration seems a lit labored at times. Nevertheless, the twists in the storyline and the sheer uniqueness and audacity of the plot keeps the reader very engaged throughout this book. An excellent read.

Lehrer's 16th book is a masterful tale that touches upon a number of psychological traumas that swim quietly below the shark infested waters of our psyche. Who are we and why are we the people that we seem to be or perhaps really are? Confused? That's my point and this book will leave you wanting more. Can a change in wardrobe and a haircut really turn you into a hero? Is behavior fixed at birth or is it simply situational? I am of the opinion that we all contain a little bit of Hugo in our souls. For some it finds expression in sports; for others music; for others fashion. Few act out fantasies on such a grand scale and with such discipline that they become the "it" that they pursue. Lehrer, a former Marine, understands his character, (perhaps honed by years of interviewing individuals who are in a constant state of transition), and the grand tableau, Washington, DC, upon which he sets his story. Hugo's wife Emily is a particularly compelling character resembling say about 10 million people that I have met while residing in Washington keenly aware of her need to live vicariously through the Congressman, Senator, or cabinet member that she serves all the while having totally lost her direction in life. In a manner the author suggests that perhaps Hugo Marder is less of a loser than one would want to believe. At least he figured out what it is he should have been and in the grand scheme of things self-actualization before death is a victory. Hugo Marder (perhaps Hugo Marder = You go Murder) steals a dead man's glory. A crime? Not sure you decide. But my guess is Second Lt. Ronald Derby Cunningham would have been proud in an odd way to help save another life. Inspiration comes from many areas and in a world that has become increasingly reliant on technology, it was only a matter of time before you could buy it on EBay. Semper Fi. G.Gregory Boyd CPL USMC BLT 1/3 Weapons Plt. 0331

Hugo Marder is like a lot of guys his age. Educated at a mid-level college, employed in a mid-level job and divorced, at age 50 he's slightly overweight and out of shape. He lives modestly in a Washington, DC townhouse that is close to work. His leisure time is spent surfing eBay where he collects antique and unusual cuff links, an outgrowth of his job as a clothing salesman at an upscale Washington men's clothing store. If he had any regrets in life, they may have stemmed from a vague youthful wish, never fulfilled, of becoming a United States marine. It didn't wreck his life that he wasn't accepted in the elite corps. In fact, the convenience of being in college during Vietnam was, as things turned out, a twist of fate he was happy to have taken advantage of. So why, when he stumbled upon an online auction for a Silver Star, did he jump in with a high bid? He wondered momentarily why anyone would want to sell such a hard-won honor. But his curiosity got the best of him, and before he knew it he owned the medal, along with the papers of the Marine Lieutenant who won it. Hugo immediately decides that he will never wear it in public. He didn't earn it and is not a man to call unwanted attention to himself. He is, however, fond of admiring himself in the mirror with the pin in his lapel, and one evening he goes out for a stroll and steps into a Thai restaurant that he has never before frequented. The medal is recognized by the owner and one of the patrons, and what begins with a complimentary bottle of champagne leads him into an embarrassing web of intrigue. He is soon working out to firm up his flab. He reads military histories of Vietnam, researching the battle in which this particular medal was won and creates his own false history. He begins obsessively watching tapes of Marine marching units to acquire the military stance and gait. He shaves his head and practices sharp quarter turns as he walks the aisles at work. The admiring looks and attention the lapel pin draws lead him to wearing it daily. When he answers a call for jury duty and runs into his ex-wife, Emily, he panics. Can he pull off his charade in front of a woman who shares his history? A courtroom shootout proves to Hugo, and to Emily, that the inner hero is genuine, even if the reality is a sham. The publicity that ensues propels Hugo from ignominious sales clerk to celebrity. For all his acquired bravado, Hugo's middle-class upbringing fails to provide him with the street smarts needed to carry off his masquerade. He is haunted by fears of exposure. As he worries about the fallout if his secret is discovered, his conscience begins to bother him. Hugo is treated with great tenderness by Jim Lehrer, himself a Marine cavalry officer in the mid-1950s. THE PHONY MARINE is a charming, whimsical and often philosophical tale of a meek little man, plunged into deep waters through his own folly, who confronts another sort of heroism few braver men might survive. --- Reviewed by

I don't usually buy hardcover fiction unless it's deeply discounted. However, the title and cover of this book locked onto me like a ticked-off drill instructor. After leafing through it, I immediately purchased "The Phony Marine." I'm glad I did. Hugo Marder failed to realize either of his two big dreams. He never joined the Marines, and he didn't become a cartoonist. Instead of serving in Vietnam when he was eligible, he took advantage of a college deferment to avoid the draft. And cartooning gave way to a predictable lifestyle selling men's clothing in Washington DC. Now, Hugo's a fiftysomething divorced guy whose average existence is wearing him down. However, things change after an impulse online purchase of a Silver Star award for combat valor. When the medal arrives, Hugo decides to wear its lapel pin while strolling around the city. Usually he blends right in. But the pin makes him stand out. People acknowledge Hugo with respectful nods and outright praise. He even scores a complimentary meal at a local restaurant. These positive reactions galvanize Hugo to take on the persona of the Marine he's always longed to be. He shaves his head, gets fit with a Marine Corps workout, learns the lingo, and constructs a fictitious military back-story. But how long can Hugo's deception go undiscovered - especially when he becomes a real hero? "The Phony Marine" is a lean and mean read. I wish it were longer because I wanted to see Hugo go even deeper with some of the philosophical issues behind his charade. However, I was still caught up with Hugo's quest for a meaningful life. The author took an individual that many would consider a pathetic dirt bag and made him into a sympathetic character (much like Jeff Lindsay did to good effect in "Darkly Dreaming Dexter"). At the heart of Hugo's facade is a desire for significance. Although one can't condone the deceptive aspect, at least Hugo took a series of gambles to better himself. In today's risk-adverse culture, how many men can say the same? Some of the situations that drive the plot are somewhat contrived, like the Thai restaurant bear-claw soup fiasco. In addition, it would've been interesting to see Hugo relate to female characters with more complex personalities. However, through Hugo's journey the author succeeded in touching on some important truths about manhood, integrity, heroism, and the longing for relevance. For that, I commend him. I recommend "The Phony Marine" to any man who wonders what might've been and longs for an adventurous life. But I wouldn't advise wearing medals you didn't earn.