LW 23: Mark Treanor

In this episode, we sit down with novelist Mark Treanor to discuss his award-winning debut novel, A Quiet Cadence. Drawing on his experiences as a Marine rifle platoon leader in Vietnam, Treanor delivers a powerful and haunting narrative that explores both the horrors of combat and the lifelong struggles of those who return home. Set in Vietnam’s treacherous Arizona Territory and extending into the aftermath of war, A Quiet Cadence plumbs the depths of terror, survival, and the unshakable weight of memory.

We delve into the origins of the novel and Treanor’s decision to tell this story through fiction, examining how his firsthand experiences shaped the visceral authenticity of the book while allowing room for the universal truths of young men at war. Treanor also reflects on the unique structure of the novel, which dedicates significant time to life after combat, capturing the challenges of healing, reckoning, and the quiet endurance of veterans long after the battles have ended.

Join us as we explore Treanor’s journey from the Marine Corps to becoming a novelist, the years of dedication it took to bring A Quiet Cadence to life, and the themes of courage, trauma, and hope that resonate so deeply in his work. We also discuss Treanor’s broader leadership experiences—from his time at the Naval Academy to his roles in corporate leadership and national security—and how those experiences inform his writing and understanding of resilience and humanity.

We are in the midst of our first Platoon Book Club Initiative in which we are funding and facilitating platoon-sized book clubs for active duty and reserve platoons in every branch of the military. Click here to learn more.