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book lover in Minnesota
insanity of war
Vietnam in 1967 is the setting for this story of an American journalist and a Vietnamese photographer who become separated from a military convoy and are captured by three young Viet Cong. A horrendous trek through the jungle ensues. The book explores the contrasts between cultures, the insanity of the American war, the changing role of women in the 1960s, the complexity of human relationships, and the profound experience of being in Vietnam. The author presents vivid descriptions of the sights and sounds and smells of that experience, and shows through characters and events what a tragedy the war was. Winning
…more was not possible, and so much was lost. (less)I read this book during the blizzard of 2010. The descriptions took me straight to the jungle heat, sounds, insects and terror. You really do not care who is on which side or what war is being waged. It is obvious how one can lose objectivity when the struggle for survival is so difficult. Susan , a journalist, showed common sense and passion. Her captors, Anh, Minh and Hien were as stoic as you might expect Vietcong soldiers to be. Marc, the American journalist, was suffering from the stress and fatigue of existing in the war zone. Son "the man" remains an enigma. Did I mention it was 1967 in Vietnam?
Sandra L. (Delray Beach, FL)
The Man From Saigon
Ms. Leimbach's vivid descriptions of Vietnam and what it was like during the war are etched in my mind - as are her claustrophobic-inducing depictions of trekking through the jungle . It's as if the country is a main character. She very effectively touched on many aspects and frustrations of this time in history. Her characters were very real to me and I am still wondering who Son is....
Andrea L. (Cottonwood Heights, UT)
I love a fiction book I can learn from
This novel is an excellent learning opportunity as well as an involving read. Learning about the Vietnam war as well as vicariously experiencing how jarring and difficult it is to be a journalist in a war zone is a unique opportunity. The author has skillfully woven the complexities of the protagonist's relationships, her struggles for recognition and equality, and intrigue against the backdrop of a violent bloody war.
Belma M. (Odessa, Texas)
The Man from Saigon
This was a great read! The author made me feel like I was there with the characters. If you're looking for a book to keep your heart racing this is the book for you. I will definitely recommend this book to friends.
Sharon A. (Gainesville, FL)
Going back in time
Well written story about the Viet Nam era from the perspective of a reporter from a female magazine. It gave me insight into the world of war from those who experience it first hand. So many who have been immersed in war don't share because of the horrors they experienced and this story certainly shows the inner lives of those who were there. The book flowed well except sometimes the change in time and characters took extra thought to keep track of. I would definitely recommend to others and will share my copy with friends.
Marion T. (Palatine, IL)
The Man from Saigon
Growing up in the Vietnam era with the graft film on TV every evening, and the pictures in every magazine, I was looking forward to reading this book. Though I found the characters very one dimensional, I was pulled into this book by the descriptions of Vietnam both Saigon and the jungle. It was well worth the read to understand the life that was going on during those years. I think this would be a great book club selection.
Jenny P. (Cupertino, CA)
Man from Saigon
I was very excited to read this book set in Vietnam because being English, the war in Vietnam seemed very remote to me, I was quite young when it started and knew very little about it. I have visited Vietnam in the last few years and the author perfectly captured the chaotic atmosphere of Saigon and the cloying humidity of the jungle. I found the flashbacks and sudden changes of narrator somewhat disorienting: perhaps this was what the author intended ? The three main characters were very well drawn although I would have liked to know more about the Vietnamese photographer, Hoang Van Son. The latter part of the
…more book which focuses on the forced march through the jungle was gripping and I did not want to put the book down.
Well worth a read. I think this would be a great book group book. (less)
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