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erincharp's review against another edition
4.0
I'm teaching a Vietnam unit currently and a Tim O'Brien short story in our textbook was adapted from this novel, so I really wanted to read it. I've read The Things They Carried and In The Lake of the Woods many time, but I haven't read his earlier novels.
In this novel, Paul Berlin unfolds Vietnam through his eyes--or does he? As the novel progresses, it becomes clear that Paul Berlin is using his imagination as a way to cope with the war around him and the war within him. In his mind, he and the rest of his unit set off after a man who goes AWOL, a round-faced jovial not too bright boy named Cacciato. This journey takes them over the border of Vietnam, into Laos, through the Middle East, and eventually to Paris. Along the way, they meet people and go on improbable journeys. There were points where the line between real and imaginary were a little too blurred for me, but I suppose that was the author's point. Still, the ending brought tears to my eyes and really drove home the absolute fear felt by many fighting in Vietnam.
In this novel, Paul Berlin unfolds Vietnam through his eyes--or does he? As the novel progresses, it becomes clear that Paul Berlin is using his imagination as a way to cope with the war around him and the war within him. In his mind, he and the rest of his unit set off after a man who goes AWOL, a round-faced jovial not too bright boy named Cacciato. This journey takes them over the border of Vietnam, into Laos, through the Middle East, and eventually to Paris. Along the way, they meet people and go on improbable journeys. There were points where the line between real and imaginary were a little too blurred for me, but I suppose that was the author's point. Still, the ending brought tears to my eyes and really drove home the absolute fear felt by many fighting in Vietnam.
booksbecreads's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a big fan of Tim O'Brien and while I enjoyed this one, it definately doesn't compare to some of his other books ([b:If I Die in a Combat Zone: Box Me Up and Ship Me Home|3445|If I Die in a Combat Zone Box Me Up and Ship Me Home|Tim O'Brien|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1163788678s/3445.jpg|9118] or [b:The Things They Carried|133518|The Things They Carried|Tim O'Brien|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172022055s/133518.jpg|1235619].
I liked the fantasy, fast pased aspect of it. I liked moving through the areas and places and the stories and people that came along with it. I liked how the war and it's horrors were weaved through the fantasy for an escapism feel.
I recommend you read one of the two titles above first, but if you've already read O'Brien then this one's worth the read.
I liked the fantasy, fast pased aspect of it. I liked moving through the areas and places and the stories and people that came along with it. I liked how the war and it's horrors were weaved through the fantasy for an escapism feel.
I recommend you read one of the two titles above first, but if you've already read O'Brien then this one's worth the read.
caddysnack's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing, amazing, amazing. This book is so incredibly rich with imagery, I look forward to reading it again and absorbing even more. Who knew you could write a book about the Vietnam war that is full of imagination? I guess that's how you win the National Book Award, huh.
annabi's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
interesting story and narration, but its not a book I would've picked for fun
interesting story and narration, but its not a book I would've picked for fun
nicholasgrantgarcia's review against another edition
3.0
An intense, psychedelic, charming war story that tests the limits of human endurance, pain threshold, and loneliness.
raro6511's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
gremlinsteals's review against another edition
1.0
It felt like a 310 page intro to an ending that still doesn't make sense to me.
Backstory: I loved Tim O'brien when I was in high school and have sat on this book for five years excited to read it while I dealt with personal issues. Like I said, the first 300 or so pages was build up for the characters and setting. That is most of the book, but I pushed through it because I believed that the ending was going to be spectacular. To put it plainly, I was disappointed. I'm not sure if it's just because I don't understand exactly what happened in the ending, plain and simple. (Because to be honest, I don't) Or if its true and I read 300 pages of character development. The story felt almost like a mystery novel, where there was a cliff hanger at the end of every two-page chapter to keep the reader interested, but in all honesty, I had trouble getting through this book. I feel bad writing such a bad review for an author that I looked up to so much as a kid, but I guess it just wasn't my cup of tea. Long story short, I wouldn't recommend this story, despite it's wonderful character development and scenery.
Backstory: I loved Tim O'brien when I was in high school and have sat on this book for five years excited to read it while I dealt with personal issues. Like I said, the first 300 or so pages was build up for the characters and setting. That is most of the book, but I pushed through it because I believed that the ending was going to be spectacular. To put it plainly, I was disappointed. I'm not sure if it's just because I don't understand exactly what happened in the ending, plain and simple. (Because to be honest, I don't) Or if its true and I read 300 pages of character development. The story felt almost like a mystery novel, where there was a cliff hanger at the end of every two-page chapter to keep the reader interested, but in all honesty, I had trouble getting through this book. I feel bad writing such a bad review for an author that I looked up to so much as a kid, but I guess it just wasn't my cup of tea. Long story short, I wouldn't recommend this story, despite it's wonderful character development and scenery.
becca_plier's review against another edition
2.0
Although this book was slightly entertaining I did not understand 80% of what was going on. I think I just do not like Tim O’Brien’s style and especially the way he plays with time and reality in his books. It makes more sense to use those tactics in a fantasy novel, not realistic fiction.
exactlyem's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Minor: Racial slurs and Sexual content