Doherty’s history and political science teacher, Mr. Perron, is making waves in the literary world with his debut novel Patriotic Duties. Blending military action, political intrigue, and a deep exploration of the emotional struggles of returning veterans, Perron has crafted a gripping narrative that mirrors the complex realities of today’s political and social climate.
The book centers around Trent Billups, a soldier returning from war only to be thrown into a new battle—one not on the frontlines, but in the volatile world of American politics. According to Perron, the inspiration for Trent’s journey came from the chaotic atmosphere of 2020, a time when political tensions ran high and the country seemed on the brink of major upheaval.
“I was sitting at home during 2020, observing what people were saying and how they were acting, and it really sparked something in me,” Perron explained. “The story developed in my mind over the next couple of years, but it mainly came about because of the state of the country during that period.”
Patriotic Duties delves into difficult themes such as war, betrayal, and the toll that combat leaves on a soldier’s psyche. For Perron, a teacher with firsthand experience teaching about the psychological effects of war, portraying Trent’s emotional and mental struggles was a key aspect of the story. He hopes readers come away with a greater understanding of the challenges veterans face when they return home.
“One of the main themes of the book is the mental and emotional trauma that many veterans deal with after coming home from war. I cover how these veterans re-adjust to society, dealing with PTSD, flashbacks, and the scars—both physical and mental—that they carry,” he shared. “It’s something I discuss regularly in my classroom, especially since it’s such a relevant issue in today’s world.”
Perron’s meticulous research plays a significant role in bringing realism to Patriotic Duties. As someone with a deep interest in military history, including both World War II and Vietnam veterans’ experiences, Perron drew on a wealth of sources, including autobiographies, podcasts, and firsthand accounts, to ensure accuracy in the portrayal of the character’s military experience.
“I’ve always been passionate about military history and the political climate of our country,” said Perron. “I spent a lot of time researching the military aspects of the book—guns, weapons, and tactics—to make sure the details were authentic. But it’s also important to me that the characters felt real. I wanted to show that the so-called ‘good’ people have flaws, and the ‘villains’ aren’t just evil for the sake of it. Everyone has complexities.”
At the heart of the novel is Trent’s journey through loss, grief, and a quest for justice after the murder of his best friend. The growing conspiracy and political tension provide a thrilling backdrop to Trent’s emotional struggle. For Perron, crafting the relationship dynamics between the characters was essential to driving the story forward.
“I wanted to build tension by layering clues throughout the novel, with each chapter leaving readers wanting more,” he said. “I’ve always been drawn to stories where the protagonist is faced with real-world challenges, and I wanted Trent to embody that perseverance.”
For Perron, writing this book was a long-time dream. While teaching has always been his primary focus, writing had always lingered in the back of his mind as a passion project.
“Writing a book has always been on my wishlist. I’ve tried it before, and the idea for Patriotic Duties came together naturally,” he said. “But I don’t necessarily see this as a new chapter in my life.”
In a time where many people may feel disconnected from the world around them, Perron hopes his book inspires readers—especially younger generations—to become more engaged in their communities and aware of the political and social issues that shape their lives.
“Being aware of what’s happening around you is a huge theme in the book,” he explained. “A lot of people don’t vote or even think about the political climate, and I want my readers to realize that it’s important to pay attention. Your political stance doesn’t matter as long as you’re informed and engaged in the world around you.”
As for what’s next, Perron has some ideas brewing for his next project, though he’s still weighing the possibilities. A sequel to Patriotic Duties may be in the cards, but Perron is also exploring new creative avenues.
For aspiring writers, Perron has one simple piece of advice: “Just do it. Life is too short not to try new things. You don’t have to publish it, but you can write it for yourself, and that’s an accomplishment in itself.”
Patriotic Duties is now available for purchase, and it’s clear that this is just the beginning for Mr. Perron’s writing career. Whether it’s the politics of today or the personal struggles of returning soldiers, Perron’s storytelling skills will continue to captivate readers in the years to come.
