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srbolton's review against another edition
5.0
Remarkable for its rich language and narrative voice, this intense story is not for the faint of heart, at turns brutal and vulgar, as are war stories wont. It is for any reader wanting understand or feel some simulacrum of the mental and physical wreckage of young men who survive the unimaginable in war and return to seek a path back to humanity. The 8-page dream sequence (p.138 in my 1st) is by itself worth picking up this book, an incredible achievement by the author.
serenaac's review against another edition
5.0
Paco's Story by Larry Heinemann chronicles the war experiences of Paco, the only surviving soldier of the Fire Base Harriette massacre from Alpha Company. The narrative is unusual in that Paco does not tell his own story of his survival or his recovery and ultimate return to the United States from the Vietnam War. Though readers get to know Paco through the eyes of others and his nightmares, Paco is a vivid and lost character in search of peace.
"Paco is in constant motion, trying to get settled and comfortable with that nagging, warm tingling in his legs and hips." (Page 35)
Heinemann's language is raw, scraping down to the guts and bones in his readers, making them cringe, turn away, and stand agape. A number of readers may find the graphic scenes in this novel to be too much, but what makes them uncomfortable are the realities of war and the breakdown of humanity. Paco struggles not only with why he was the only survivor, but how to assimilate himself back into a society he no longer recognizes once stateside.
Read the full review: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2010/07/pacos-story-by-larry-heinemann.html
"Paco is in constant motion, trying to get settled and comfortable with that nagging, warm tingling in his legs and hips." (Page 35)
Heinemann's language is raw, scraping down to the guts and bones in his readers, making them cringe, turn away, and stand agape. A number of readers may find the graphic scenes in this novel to be too much, but what makes them uncomfortable are the realities of war and the breakdown of humanity. Paco struggles not only with why he was the only survivor, but how to assimilate himself back into a society he no longer recognizes once stateside.
Read the full review: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2010/07/pacos-story-by-larry-heinemann.html
literaryfeline's review against another edition
4.0
In Larry Heineman's Paco's Story, Paco was the only surviving soldier after a raid that decimated his unit. With both physical and mental scars, Paco re-enters society, going through the motions of life. Readers are offered a glimpse at how a soldier from that war was treated upon his return, both with disdain and occasional pride. We get an inside look at the horrors of war, and Heineman pulls no punches in describing the war in brutal and honest terms.
Paco's Story began strong, one of those books I was sure would be a five star book by the time I finished. However, I was a little put off by the shifting voice of the narrator as the novel went on. It was inconsistent at times, and therefore a bit disjointed. It is still a powerful book, one I am glad I read, and deserves a high rating and much of the praise it has received.
Paco's Story began strong, one of those books I was sure would be a five star book by the time I finished. However, I was a little put off by the shifting voice of the narrator as the novel went on. It was inconsistent at times, and therefore a bit disjointed. It is still a powerful book, one I am glad I read, and deserves a high rating and much of the praise it has received.
jonjeffryes's review against another edition
3.0
The story of a lone survivor of a Vietnam War battalion as he struggles in his return stateside. The book has lots of verve and it’s use of voice is both impressive and times overwhelming. The book is discursive—which is great when you’re into it (I loved the description of Paco’s process for washing dishes.) but also makes the short book feel a little slight of plot.
coffeecrusader's review against another edition
5.0
The language was beautiful. The content was horrific.
rachaelreads_'s review against another edition
5.0
the author was my creative writing professor at texas a&m & he was amazing. i was a bit desensitized to the book, as he had told our class about a few of the more gruesome scenes, so i wasn't as offended by the audacities of war that the american soldiers committed against the vietnamese, particularly the women. larry is a great writer. he also liked me a lot & gave me a's, so that helps. he really liked my hair.
rachaelreads_'s review
5.0
the author was my creative writing professor at texas a&m & he was amazing. i was a bit desensitized to the book, as he had told our class about a few of the more gruesome scenes, so i wasn't as offended by the audacities of war that the american soldiers committed against the vietnamese, particularly the women. larry is a great writer. he also liked me a lot & gave me a's, so that helps. he really liked my hair.
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