best fiction novels vietnam war

Ready To Read The Most Celebrated and Best Vietnam War Books?

Tracy Shapley Towley

Tracy is a freelance copywriter, all-around ne’er do well, very-adult graduate of the University of Iowa, and occasional waterer of plants. Her hobbies include writing fiction, reading fiction, mixing together various flavors of soup, and typing letters to her friends on an old red typewriter that doesn't have a working period so all sentences must end in questions marks or exclamation points? She has read every Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and has a lot of thoughts on them. Her old Iowa farmhouse is shared by her husband Sean, a pair of cats, a pair of dogs, and the ghost of Kurt Vonnegut.

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There was a time when all I knew of Vietnam war books was Tim O’Brien’s, The Things They Carried , a book that prompted the laconic entry in my book journal, “This book destroyed me.”

It strikes me that this is the way our memories work. When I think back to reading either book for the first time, and other Vietnam war books, the memories that come to me are of the owl coffee mug I broke when reading The Things They Carried , or the stain in my thrift-shopped copy of Slaughterhouse-Five that surely represented blood, which seemed so appropriate.

While O’Brien’s book made me feel that I was being given a glimpse into what it must have felt like to be in his shoes, eventually I wanted to know more about one of the most contentious wars the United States has been involved in , a war in which we sent young men to die against their will, a war in which our country did a less than admirable job understanding the peoples they were fighting against and alongside, and a war in which more than one million people died.

So here they are, stories of a country that most Americans don’t know much about at all, stories of the Vietnam War as told by Americans and by Vietnamese. There are fictional and non-fictional Vietnam war books, some of which are written for adults and some of which are written for children. All of them are worthy of appearing on this list.

Vietnam War Books: Fiction

The sympathizer by viet thang nguyen.

Winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, this debut novel could fit into half a dozen genres of Vietnam war books from war narrative to immigrant story, from mystery to political, from metafiction to historical and even dark comedy. The story follows an anonymous North Vietnamese narrator who’s acting as a mole in the South Vietnamese army and is sent to an exile community in the U.S., where he stays embedded in the South Vietnamese community.

The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh

This fictional account of Kien, an infantryman for North Vietnam, follows his transformation into a writer, his struggles to overcome his memories of combat, and the terrible mess his life has become as a result.

Close Quarters by Larry Heinemann

One of the first fictional Vietnam war books, and often touted as one of the best Vietnam novels, it’s a face-paced wonder that follows draftee Philip Dosier as he is drafted into the war, completes a of tour of duty, and comes home. This autobiographical novel features rich characters when stock, cliché characters could have easily been used.

Dirty Work by Larry Brown

This piece of short fiction is written almost entirely in dialogues and monologues between two critically wounded Marines in Vietnam. The author did serve in the Marines, though not in Vietnam, and tells a convincing tale of the conversation between the men at a veteran’s hospital. Through not much more than their words and thoughts, the author creates a powerful story about the results of combat.

The Quiet American by Graham Greene

A review in The New York Times in 1956 claimed that Greene’s novel about Vietnam had characters that stood in for nations and political factions rather than as their own people. Greene’s conclusion seems to be that America was a somewhat “innocent” nation that did not understand the people it was fighting with or against. Often cited as one of the best Vietnam war books, it is also one of the most recommended in Greene’s large body of work.

The Short-Timers by Gustav Hasford

It’s unlikely you’ve heard of The Short-Timers, a book that’s currently out of print, but you may have heard of the movie based on it: Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket . Hasford wrote this semi-autobiographical novel about his experiences in Vietnam and intended it to be a trilogy of Vietnam war books. His death shortly after the publication of the second novel prevented these plans from coming to fruition.

Dog Soldiers by Robert Stone

Winner of the 1974 National Book Award for Fiction, Dog Soldiers is a story of the Vietnam War and of drug smuggling. Often compared to Joseph Conrad and Ernest Hemingway, and largely considered one of the best Vietnam novels, Stone focuses on two characters, one of whom is a sailor traveling home from Vietnam. The other is a war correspondent. Both suffer greatly throughout the novel.

Vietnam War Books: Nonfiction

An intimate history of killing by joanna bourke.

Covering World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War, this book does an exceptional job illuminating the psychological aspects of wartime on those who do the killing. Despite how one may feel about the war, the universal themes Bourke exposes re: the attempts of soldiers to cope with combat, are themes that many can relate to.

Kill Anything That Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam by Nick Turse

Not a single punch is pulled in this history of the Vietnam War, which is based on first-person interviews and classified documents. The thesis of Turse, and of his Vietnam war books, is that American acts of violence against Vietnamese civilians weren’t accidental and they weren’t rare—they were a systematic part of the war and soldiers were trained for and ordered to take part in hate-based slaughter.

Bloods: An Oral History of the Vietnam War by Black Veterans by Wallace Terry

American soldiers in Vietnam had many obstacles and Black American soldiers in Vietnam had even more. This is one of the Vietnam war books that covers the basics in great detail, like the fact that black soldiers made up nearly one-quarter of the fatalities in the first few years of the war, and the discrimination they faced in decorations, duty assignments, and promotions. This is an oral history of what it was like for a black man to serve his country in Vietnam, and his experiences coming home.

Fire in the Lake: The Vietnamese and the Americans in Vietnam by Frances FitzGerald.

Authored by journalist Frances FitzGerald, this account of Vietnam, its history, and the effects of its war with the United States was on the bestseller list for more than ten weeks. It went on to win a number of prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Non-Fiction, National Book Award, and the Bancroft Prize. Considered the first major book on the Vietnam War written by an American, it highlighted how little the United States knew about the country, its leaders, and its culture before invading.

When Heaven and Earth Changed Places: A Vietnamese Woman’s Journey from War to Peace by Le Ly Hayslip with Jay Wurts

The story of Hayslip, who grew up in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, is intense, intimate, and ultimately human. It’s the story of Vietnam’s destruction and self-destruction, as seen through the eyes of a woman who was once a girl growing up in a community and family corrupted by war, who, as a teenager, became a refugee in Saigon living among both American and South Vietnamese soldiers. This is a story of heartbreak and the search for the will to survive and is one of the most recommend Vietnam memoirs.

The Pentagon Papers edited by George C. Herring

The famous Pentagon Papers included classified documents about U.S. policymaking from 1950 to 1968. Edited by a respected Vietnam historian, this edition includes a relatively brief and manageable taste of the most telling documents.

A Journey of Body and Soul by Trach Ba Vu

The story of Anna Vu, as told by her father, this biography includes the hardship and poverty of growing up in Vietnam, coupled with the girl’s dreams of growing up to become a doctor. The family emigrates to the U.S. in 1975 and faces different challenges as Anna becomes the victim of unjust and unfair prejudice and stereotypes. This inspirational story is equal parts angering and enlightening.

The Best and the Brightest by David Halberstam

For those looking for Vietnam war books to better understand why the United States entered the Vietnam War in the first place, there may be no better book than Halberstam’s. Published in 1972, it details the way the U.S.’s foreign policy establishment worked at the time. He makes a strong case for the idea that bureaucratic considerations were more important to lawmakers than ideological or common-sense considerations.

On the Frontlines of the Television War: A Legendary War Cameraman in Vietnam by Yasutsune Hirashiki

The author spent ten years in Vietnam, starting in 1966 when he went there as a freelancer, and stayed through the fall of Saigon in 1975. This Vietnam memoir includes exciting tales, close calls, and battle memories. At its core though, it focuses on the story of the soldiers who fought and died, as well as the reporters and photographers who went with them. Hirashiki’s is considered one of the great books on war journalism.

Home Before Morning: The Story of an Army Nurse in Vietnam by Lynda Van Devanter

Widely considered to be not only one of the best Vietnam war books, but one of the best Vietnam memoirs from a female veteran, Van Devanter does not shy away from vivid descriptions of the wounded and dying men she encountered as a nurse at the 71 st Evacuation Hospital from 1969 to 1970. The book covers her challenges both in war and in coming home, and her eventual founding of the Women Veterans Project at Vietnam Veterans of America.

Street Without Joy: Indochina at War, 1946-54 by Bernard Fall

Fall served on the side of the French Resistance in World War II, and later was part of the U.S. Army. Throughout the 1950s and ‘60s he was considered to be one of the preeminent scholars of the Indochina War that resulted in the end of Vietnam’s status as a French colony. Before being killed in Vietnam in 1967, he wrote eight books that many claim are some of the best history books about the French War and the beginnings of the Vietnam War. The work also included a damning warning about what the U.S. military would face, much of which came to pass.

In Pharaoh’s Army: Memories of the Lost War by Tobias Wolff

Picking up where Wolff’s popular memoir This Boy’s Life leaves off, In Pharaoh’s Army begins when Wolff spent a year learning Vietnamese, learned to be paratrooper, and was eventually stationed with the South Vietnamese Army. He was with them during the Tet Offensive and this memoir includes memories of that battle and others. It went on to become one of the only Vietnam war books to be a finalist for the National Book Award in the nonfiction category.

We Were Soldiers Once…and Young by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore and Joseph L. Galloway

Written by a journalist and retired general, this best-seller was released in 1992 and was adapted in the 2002 movie We Were Soldiers . The focus is on the four days and nights in November 1965 during which American soldiers were involved in what ended up being the bloodiest campaign of the entire war.

Vietnam War Books: Children’s and Middle Grade

Year of the jungle by suzanne collins..

Yes, that , Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games trio, has written one of the most affecting Vietnam war books. Perhaps more of a memoir than straight fiction—thought not fully on either side—the story is that of Young Suzy, whose father goes away to the Vietnam War. Told entirely from Suzy’s perspective, it deals with confusion, anxiety, fear, and growing understanding as Suzy gets older. Suzy’s father does make it home but he is changed.

Listen, Slowly by Thanhha Ali

Beautiful, lyrical, and impactful, this novel follows Mai, a girl raised in California who can’t understand why she’s being sent off to spend her summer with her grandmother in Vietnam. Upon her arrival, Mai is disappointed in the lack of WiFi, can’t handle the heat, and is put off by the crowds. The longer she’s there, the more she begins to understand what her family went through during the war.

The Vietnam War: An Interactive Modern History Adventure by Michael Burgan

This unique choose-your-own-adventure style story begins in the 1960s. Will you enlist in the Marines and go to war or will you protest it? If you’re a young Vietnamese man, which do you choose—North or South Vietnam? Each choice is based on real decisions people had to make and the results are just as serious: Jail, the jungle, or death.

The Wall by Eve Bunting; Illustrated by Ronald Himler

Eve Bunting’s book does not attempt to explain the war but rather focuses on the loss to our country. Filled with sympathy for those who served, the story follows a young boy and his father visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington to look for the grandfather’s name. It is one of the most highly praised of all Vietnam war books for children.

Patrol: An American Soldier in Vietnam by Walter Dean Myers

Winner of the Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom Award, and chosen as a National Council for Social Studies Notable Book in 2003, this story/poem tells the tale of a young solider in Vietnam. He is scared, exhausted, and misses home. This emotionally charged tale has universal themes that are likely to translate for most kids.

Little Cricket by Jackie Brown

Kia, a 12-year-old whose village has been destroyed by the North Vietnamese, is grieving the disappearance of her father while she and the rest of her family are fleeing to a refuge. Part of the family eventually immigrates to American, but Kia struggles with the new language and culture, and the splitting up of her family.

Cracker! The Best Dog in Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohata

An excellent example of the reality that not all Vietnam war books must be depressing, this uplifting story follows an army canine unit dog that goes by the name of Cracker. He spends his days with his handler Rick, looking for booby traps; the story is told from first Cracker’s and then Rick’s viewpoints. The action is fast-paced and this book is a good option to get kids interested in history.

What do you think are the best Vietnam war books?

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Further Reading

Readers Weighed in on the Best Books About the Vietnam War

• Share full article

By Susan Ellingwood

• Sept. 15, 2017

UPDATE: After we posted this article, Times readers weighed in with their favorite books on the Vietnam War. These 10 books, in addition to the ones below, were recommended multiple times. For fiction: ‘ Matterhorn : A Novel of the Vietnam War,’ by Karl Marlantes; ‘ The Sympathizer ,’ by Viet Thanh Nguyen; ‘ The 13th Valley ,’ by John M. Del Vecchio; ‘ The Short-Timers ,’ by Gustav Hasford; and ‘ The Ugly American ,’ by Eugene Burdick and William Lederer. Fon nonfiction: ‘ Chickenhawk ,’ by Robert Mason; ‘ Kill Anything That Moves : The Real American War in Vietnam,’ by Nick Turse; ‘ The Killing Zone : My Life in the Vietnam War,’ by Frederick Downs; ‘ Pharoah’s Army : Memories of the Lost War” by Tobias Wolf; and ‘ Street Without Joy : Indochina at War, 1946–1954,’ by Bernard Fall.

On Sunday, Sept. 17, PBS will begin airing “ The Vietnam War ,” a 10-part, 18-hour documentary by Ken Burns and his creative partner Lynn Novick. For those of you interested in books about Vietnam, here’s a list, along with clips and links to The Times Book Review’s assessment of each publication. Also, be sure to check out Vietnam ’67 , a series by our colleagues on Opinion that features essays by historians, veterans and journalists recalling a year that changed the war and America.

‘ The Quiet American ,’ by Graham Greene

The Times review in 1956 called “The Quiet American” a “political novel — or parable — about the war in Indochina, employing its characters less as individuals than as representatives of their nations or political factions.” The book’s thesis: “America is a crassly materialistic and ‘innocent’ nation with no understanding of other peoples.”

‘ The Sorrow of War ,’ by Bao Ninh

“Sorrow of War” offers the North Vietnamese perspective by tracing the “war-haunted life of Kien, a former infantryman turned writer, as he struggles to overcome his terrifying memories of combat and salvage the wreck that his life has become.”

‘ The Things They Carried ,’ by Tim O’Brien

“The Things They Carried,” which came out in 1990, is more than a book about the horror of fighting. It examines “with sensitivity and insight the nature of courage and fear, by questioning the role that imagination plays in helping to form our memories and our own versions of truth.”

‘ The Best and the Brightest ,’ by David Halberstam

In “The Best and the Brightest,” Halberstam sets out to discover how the United States got involved in Vietnam. It is a “valuable contribution to the literature not only on Vietnam but on the way Washington and our foreign policy establishment work,” showing us how “bureaucratic considerations triumphed over ideological or even common-sense ones.” According to The Times 1972 review, the “book’s main and most remarkable contribution is to introduce us in depth to the architects of America’s involvement in Vietnam.”

‘ Bloods: An Oral History of the Vietnam War by Black Veterans ,’ by Wallace Terry

For black soldiers, fighting in Vietnam was especially bad. “Not only were they dying at a disproportionate rate — they made up 23 percent of the fatalities during the early years of the war — but they also faced discrimination within the military in terms of decorations, promotions and duty assignments.” This oral history gives the “reader a visceral sense of what it was like, as a black man, to serve in Vietnam and what it was like to come back to ‘the real world’.”

‘ Born on the Fourth of July ,’ by Ron Kovic

The Times described “Born on the Fourth of July” as a memoir about “killing and being killed on the battlefields of Southeast Asia.” Kovic came back “to a town built by veterans of a prouder war who didn’t understand the veterans of Vietnam. It is an account of one man and one community, but it could be the account of a whole generation and a whole country.”

‘ A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam ,’ by Neil Sheehan

The power of this book “lies in its anger” as it showcases the “confused or venal men in Washington and Saigon.” According to the 1988 Times review, “if there is one book that captures the Vietnam War in the sheer Homeric scale of its passion and folly, this book is it.”

‘ Dereliction of Duty : Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies That Led to Vietnam,’ by H. R. McMaster

McMaster’s book looks at the “human failures” of President Lyndon Johnson and his advisers. “What gives ‘Dereliction of Duty’ its special value,” according to the Times review, “is McMaster’s comprehensive, balanced and relentless exploration of the specific role of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.”

‘ Dispatches ,’ by Michael Herr

Here’s what the 1977 Times review had to say about this book: “If you think you don’t want to read any more about Vietnam, you are wrong. ‘Dispatches’ is beyond politics, beyond rhetoric, beyond ‘pacification’ and body counts and the ‘psychotic vaudeville’ of Saigon press briefings. Its materials are fear and death, hallucination and the burning of souls. It is as if Dante had gone to hell with a cassette recording of Jimi Hendrix and a pocketful of pills: our first rock-and-roll war, stoned murder.”

‘ Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America’s Vietnam ,’ by Fredrik Logevall

Fredrik Logevall’s book focuses on the French conflict in Vietnam at the end of World War II and the beginning of the American one in 1959. The Times review called the book “excellent” and “comprehensive,” and a “powerful portrait of the terrible and futile French war from which Americans learned little as they moved toward their own engagement in Vietnam.”

‘ Ending the Vietnam War: A History of America’s Involvement in and Extrication From the Vietnam War ,’ by Henry Kissinger

In “Ending the Vietnam War,” Kissinger offers “no great revelations” and “no personal mea culpas.” Still, “he is a deft portrayer of his allies and adversaries,” as he tries to get the United States out of Vietnam, and “he knows how to make the driest diplomacy surprisingly suspenseful.”

‘ Father, Soldier, Son: Memoir of a Platoon Leader in Vietnam ,’ by Nathaniel Tripp

“Father, Soldier, Son” is a “searing memoir of Vietnam by a veteran who fought honorably but without patriotism or illusions.” The Times review called it a “moving story” about the author’s “efforts to find solace through love and family.”

‘ Fire in the Lake: The Vietnamese and the Americans in Vietnam ,’ by Frances Fitzgerald

According to the 1972 Times review, “Fire in the Lake” is a “compassionate and penetrating account of the collision of two societies that remain untranslatable to one another, an analysis of all those features of South Vietnamese culture that doomed the American effort from the start, and an incisive explanation of the reasons why that effort could only disrupt and break down South Vietnam’s society — and pave the way for the revolution that the author sees as the only salvation.”

‘ Hue 1968: A Turning Point of the American War in Vietnam ,’ by Mark Bowden

Bowden “applies his signature blend of deep reportage and character-driven storytelling to bring readers a fresh look at the 1968 battle in the Vietnamese city of Hue.” The Times review praised it for bringing “an old war to life for young Americans” that may “prompt a wider reflection on how to apply the lessons of Vietnam to our wars of today.”

‘ In Retrospect: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam ,’ by Robert S. McNamara with Brian VanDeMark

The Times review of “In Retrospect” opens like this: “In his 79th year, Robert S. McNamara at long last offers the public a glimpse of his aching conscience.” McNamara tries to “prove that the mistakes were ‘mostly honest,’ even if traceable to a ghastly ignorance of the Vietnamese people, culture and terrain, and the historical forces of that time.” The review found “McNamara’s unwillingness to explore the human tragedies and political legacies” of the Vietnam War disappointing.

‘ Reporting Vietnam ,’ by the Library of America

The Times 1999 review of this two-volume collection of writing and reporting on the Vietnam War chronicles the “war of soldiers in the field, not the one at home, or the one described in Saigon by American military spokesmen at a daily briefing reporters called ‘the 5 o’clock follies’ — a war of units, numbers, objectives, initiatives, programs, targets, enemy body counts given in exact numbers and American casualties described as ‘light’ or ‘moderate.’”

‘ A Rumor of War ,’ by Philip Caputo

In “A Rumor of War,” Philip Caputo forces the reader to “see and feel and understand what it was like to fight in Vietnam,” The Times Book Review wrote. ” He does this by “placing himself as a Marine lieutenant directly before the reader and giving the American involvement a sincere, manly, increasingly harrowed American face.”

‘ Vietnam: A History ,’ by Stanley Karnow

The Times Book Review described Stanley Karnow’s “Vietnam” as a “less dogmatic, more objective” historical account “that leaves no reasonable questions unanswered.” Because Mr. Karnow “has a sharp eye for the illustrative moment and a keen ear for the telling quote, his book is first-rate as a popular contribution to understanding the war.”

‘ We Were Soldiers Once … And Young: Ia Drang — The Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam ,’ by Harold G. Moore and Joseph L. Galloway

“We Were Soldiers Once … And Young” centers on “four days and nights in November 1965, when American soldiers in the central highlands of Vietnam endured what proved to be the bloodiest campaign of the war.” The 1992 Times review said it “goes as far as any book yet written toward answering the hoary question of what combat is really like.”

‘ When Heaven and Earth Changed Places: A Vietnamese Woman’s Journey From War to Peace ,’ by Le Ly Hayslip with Jay Wurts

Hayslip’s account offers a rare view of “growing up in the shadow of war.” The book, an “intensely intimate portrait,” is a “human account of Vietnam’s destruction and self-destruction.” She “begins with the war’s corruption of family and community life in her village” and “then moves to the hard, impure compromises of survival as she becomes a teenage refugee in Saigon” among South Vietnamese and American soldiers.

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The Top 30 Vietnam War Books to Read This Winter

America’s wars have inspired some of the world’s best literature, and the vietnam war is no exception.

The Vietnam War has left many legacies. Among the most positive is an abundance of top-notch books, many written by veterans of the conflict. These include winners of National Book Awards and Pulitzer Prizes, both fiction and nonfiction. A slew of war memoirs stand with the best writing of that genre. 

In the short history of Vietnam War literature, publishers would hardly touch a book on the war until the late 1970s and early 1980s—a part of the self-induced national amnesia about that conflict and its outcome. After sufficient time had elapsed to ease some of the war’s psychic wounds, we saw a mini explosion of important books. Most of the books on the following, very subjective, list of the top 15 fiction and nonfiction titles, came out in the late ’70s and throughout the ’80s. 

By necessity, compilations of this kind omit worthy titles. Even so, the books below are the cream of the crop among the thousands written about America’s most controversial overseas war. They are presented randomly within the categories of nonfiction and fiction.

AMERICA’S LONGEST WAR: THE UNITED STATES AND VIETNAM, 1950-1975

by George Herring, 1978

This book is widely viewed as the best concise history of the Vietnam War. Herring, a former University of Kentucky history professor, covers virtually every important event in the conflict, presenting the war objectively and assessing its legacy. Revised and updated over the years, America’s Longest War is used in many college courses on the Vietnam War.

THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST

by David Halberstam, 1972

Halberstam, who was a Vietnam War correspondent for The New York Times , produced a deeply researched, clearly and engagingly written history of America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. He focuses on personalities—primarily the “best and brightest” of John F. Kennedy’s administration, including Robert McNamara, Walt Rostow, McGeorge Bundy, Dean Rusk and General Maxwell Taylor—and the many mistakes they made in prosecuting the war. In The Best and the Brightes t, Halberstam set out to answer the question, “What was it about the men, their attitudes, the country, its institutions and above all the era which had allowed this tragedy to take place?” Halberstam died in an automobile accident in 2007.

A BRIGHT SHINING LIE: JOHN PAUL VANN AND AMERICA IN VIETNAM

by Neil Sheehan, 1988

Former New York Times correspondent Neil Sheehan spent 16 years working on a magisterial examination of the life of legendary Army Colonel John Paul Vann and American involvement in Vietnam. A tour de force of research, reporting, analysis and writing, A Bright Shining Lie received the National Book Award for nonfiction and the Pulitzer for general nonfiction. Sheehan’s anger about what happened “infuses extraordinary descriptive passages of battle, the machinations of confused or venal men in Washington and Saigon, and above all the account of the man who serves as both its hero and antihero,” wrote historian Ronald Steel, adding, “If there is one book that captures the Vietnam War in the sheer Homeric scale of its passion and folly, this book is it.”

CHICKENHAWK

by Robert Mason, 1983

This is the definitive memoir about the helicopter war in Vietnam. Mason’s penetrating look at his 1965-66 tour as a Huey pilot in the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) contains reconstructed dialogue, which works well in depictions of his many dangerous missions zooming in and out of hot landing zones. There is very little glamour here: Although Mason recounts the tremendous—and at times senseless—risks he and his fellow Huey pilots took almost daily, he also describes his gradual disillusionment with the war.

FORTUNATE SON: THE HEALING OF A VIETNAM VET

by Lewis B. Puller Jr., 1991

The author, a first lieutenant in Vietnam and son of legendary Marine General Lewis “Chesty” Puller from the World War II and Korea eras, won a Pulitzer for this memoir. Puller tells his life story in a straightforward, introspective style. He joined the Marines after graduating from college in 1967 and less than a year later was in the thick of the fighting. He stepped on a booby trap and lost both legs and parts of his hands. Puller recovered, went to law school, got married and fathered two children. This remarkable tale is written cleanly, intelligently, with insight—and without self-pity. Despite the uplifting message of the book, the pains inflicted by the war ultimately overwhelmed Puller. He committed suicide in 1994.

HOME BEFORE MORNING: THE STORY OF AN ARMY NURSE IN VIETNAM

by Lynda Van Devanter, 1983

Generally considered the top memoir by a female Vietnam veteran, this brutally frank book is written with many detailed descriptions of the wounded and dying men Van Devanter saw as a nurse at the 71st Evacuation Hospital in Pleiku during her 1969-70 tour. It is filled with the emotional turmoil she faced in-country and after coming home. Van Devanter used an experienced co-writer, Christopher Morgan, to help tell this strong pro-veteran, antiwar story. In 1978 Van Devanter started the Women Veterans Project at Vietnam Veterans of America. She died in 2002.

THEY MARCHED INTO SUNLIGHT: WAR AND PEACE, VIETNAM AND AMERICA, OCTOBER 1967

by David Maraniss, 2003

They Marched Into Sunlight garnered a Pulitzer for Maraniss, a former Washington Post journalist. A masterpiece of reporting and analysis, the book zeroes in on two noteworthy but previously underexamined events that occurred at the same time in October 1967: the decimation of a 1st Infantry Division battalion in South Vietnam and the violence on the University of Wisconsin campus during a protest against Dow Chemical Co. Maraniss’ presentation of the events in Vietnam and Wisconsin is evenhanded, letting the reader judge who was right and wrong in both places.

BLOODS: BLACK VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM WAR: AN ORAL HISTORY

by Wallace Terry, 1984

Bloods is the preeminent examination of African-American troops’ experiences in Vietnam. Terry, a former Time magazine correspondent, presents the war and postwar stories of 20 black veterans. Some of the personal histories are inspirational tales from men who overcame powerful odds; others are depressing narratives of death, disfigurement and disillusion. All of them convey, with a strong sense of immediacy, what it was like to be an American fighting in Vietnam. Terry shows that blacks experienced many instances of discrimination and inequity in assignments, medals, promotions and other matters. One of the positive things Bloods brings out, though, is the virtual absence of racism on the front lines. Terry died in 2003.

IF I DIE IN A COMBAT ZONE: BOX ME UP AND SHIP ME HOME

by Tim O’Brien, 1974

If I Die in a Combat Zone was one of the first Vietnam War memoirs released by a major publisher. O’Brien impressionistically writes about growing up in Minnesota, getting drafted, going through infantry training and serving nine months in 1969-70 as a rifleman with the 198th Light Infantry Brigade. O’Brien was a sensitive, intelligent, well-read budding poet-author when he was drafted. He struggled mentally before deciding to submit to the draft, philosophized his way through basic training and survived a sometimes hellish tour of duty. All of what he writes rings true, and the book flows with the natural chronology of a novel.

PATCHES OF FIRE: A STORY OF WAR AND REDEMPTION

by Albert French, 1997

French brilliantly illuminates his war and postwar experiences with insights on the nature of the war in Vietnam, the treatment that returning veterans received and the tenaciousness of post-traumatic stress disorder. He joined the Marines in 1963 and served a battle-heavy tour with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, until he was severely wounded during the bloody Operation Harvest Moon near Chu Lai in December 1965. The book “is a classic tale, life-affirming and updated for the modern age,” Terrance Maitland wrote in the New York Times Book Review .

THE KILLING ZONE: MY LIFE IN THE VIETNAM WAR

by Frederick Downs Jr., 1978

Downs, who served as an Army lieutenant in Vietnam, wrote three memoirs. The Killing Zone, his first, is one of the best of the genre. The straightforward, taut prose evokes a clear picture of his 1967-68 tour as a 23-year-old platoon leader in the 4th Infantry Division. Downs succeeds well in portraying, as he puts it, “the day-to-day life of an infantryman on the ground.” The story begins on Sept. 8, 1967, as Downs is flying into Tan Son Nhut and ends on Jan. 11, 1968, when he stepped on a land mine and was seriously wounded.

IN PHARAOH’S ARMY: MEMORIES OF THE LOST WAR

by Tobias Wolff, 1994

Wolff was an Army Special Forces sergeant advising a South Vietnamese battalion in the Mekong Delta during 1967-68 and later became an award-winning short-story writer. His noted memoir of his youth, This Boy’s Life, was published in 1989. In Pharaoh’s Army is a memoir about his time in Vietnam—a creative, entertainingly written book filled with brisk, realistic reconstructed dialogue, fascinating characters and enlightened self-analysis. It also covers Wolff ’s life before he joined the Army, his year of Vietnamese language training in Washington and his return home from the war.

A RUMOR OF WAR

by Philip Caputo, 1977

One of the first classic Vietnam War memoirs, A Rumor of War garnered immediate praise for the author, a former Marine first lieutenant. “Caputo’s troubled, searching meditations on the love and hate of war, on fear, and the ambivalent discord warfare can create in the hearts of decent men, are among the most eloquent I have read in modern literature,” novelist William Styron wrote. Caputo relates his Marine Corps experiences from the time he decided to join through his tour of duty, which began in March 1965 when he landed with the first Marines to fight in Vietnam. The last part of the book is an account of the North Vietnamese takeover in Saigon, which Caputo covered as a journalist in April 1975.

STREET WITHOUT JOY: INDOCHINA AT WAR, 1946-54

by Bernard Fall, 1961

Fall, who served in World War II with the French Resistance and later the U.S. Army, was widely acknowledged in the 1950s and ’60s as the preeminent scholar of the Indochina War that ended Vietnam’s years as a French colony and put Communist forces in control of the country’s northern region. He wrote eight highly regarded books about the war before he was killed in Vietnam in 1967 while riding in a jeep that hit a land mine. Street Without Joy , arguably his best book, is a history and analysis of the French war and the beginnings of the American war. It contained a warning (unheeded) about what the U.S. military would be facing. The book is “not only a splendid account of a conflict often forgotten in the aftermath of America’s war in Vietnam, but it also speaks to the debate that continues to rage among military experts on the nature of the two wars in Indochina and the proper ways to fight them,” wrote George Herring, the author of America’s Longest War .

WHEN HEAVEN AND EARTH CHANGED PLACES: A VIETNAMESE WOMAN’S JOURNEY FROM WAR TO PEACE

by Le Ly Hayslip, 1989

Le Ly Hayslip opened a new world to American readers in this remarkable autobiography. With the help of writer Jay Wurts, she intimately details the life of a Vietnamese woman who grew up in a peasant family, married an American and immigrated to the United States. Hayslip provides “a searing and human account of Vietnam’s destruction and self-destruction,” former Vietnam War correspondent David Shipler wrote. “Lucidly, sometimes even lyrically, Ms. Hayslip paints an intensely intimate portrait.”

CLOSE QUARTERS

by Larry Heinemann, 1977

Larry Heinemann’s autobiographical novel is one of the earliest pieces of fiction set in the Vietnam War—and one of the best and most underappreciated. This fast-flowing book tells the story of draftee Philip Dosier, beginning with his induction. The plot takes Dosier into Vietnam as the new guy, puts him on an eventful tour of duty and then sends him home. Close Quarters is filled with what could be stock characters—doltish lifer sergeants and clueless officers, for example—but Heinemann gives them unique personalities in a book of hard, brutal prose that accurately conveys life in the trenches. Heinemann served in the 25th Infantry Division from 1967 to ’68.

by Larry Brown, 1988

Dirty Work is a gem of short fiction, studded with dialogues and monologues from two Marines severely wounded in Vietnam. Brown, who served in the Marine Corps but not in Vietnam, unwinds the action during one long night of the soul as the two main characters talk with each other in a veterans hospital. One patient lost both arms and legs in a firefight and has been confined to a hospital bed for 22 years. The other, his face severely disfigured in the war, suffers from intermittent seizures from a bullet lodged in his brain. Both characters are clearly and realistically drawn. Brown seamlessly weaves their words and thoughts into a gripping story that unfolds through flashbacks, soliloquies and conversations. Brown died in 2004.

DOG SOLDIERS

by Robert Stone, 1974

This much-admired novel—it received the National Book Award for fiction—features a plot that revolves around the Vietnam War and drug smuggling. One reviewer called it a “dark descendant of Conrad’s and Hemingway’s adventure stories, a tale of Vietnam and California, a narrative meditation on the counter-culture.” Stone, who served in the Navy during the 1950s, focuses the story on Ray Hicks, a sailor on the way home from Vietnam, and John Converse, a hapless war correspondent. The main characters are tortured souls and all wind up suffering severely—mentally, physically, or both.

THE QUIET AMERICAN

by Graham Greene, 1955

Greene’s book is widely regarded as a classic, prophetic literary tale that examines the start of American engagement in Vietnam. The acclaimed English novelist and journalist, who covered the French war in Vietnam from 1951 to ’54, set the book in 1954 Saigon. The quiet American of the title is Alden Pyle, who tries to forge an American solution to the Communist insurgency. Another character, cynical British journalist Thomas Fowler, says of Pyle: “I never knew a man who had better motives for all the trouble he caused.” In a discussion of the The Quiet American, essayist Pico Iyer said: “Lyrical, enchanted descriptions of rice paddies, languorous opium dens and even slightly sinister Buddhist political groups are a lanterned backdrop to a tale of irony and betrayal.” Greene died in 1991.

FATAL LIGHT

by Richard Currey, 1988

This one-of-a-kind Vietnam tale, the first novel of a former Navy corpsman, reads like a series of connected, finely written short stories. Dozens of very short chapters are presented in a jumpy, fragmented, staccato rhythm. In this way, Currey convincingly and stylishly spills out the shocking story of the unidentified narrator who goes through a harrowing tour of duty as a combat medic. Currey skillfully reveals this everyman soldier’s varied and extreme feelings. He helps readers understand what it was like to go to war in Vietnam, feel the heat physically and mentally, and then come home and try to make sense of what happened.

FIELDS OF FIRE

by James Webb, 1978

In his first novel Webb, a former Marine first lieutenant and later U.S. senator, developed a plot that follows the outline of a conventional war tale: An American platoon, with representative members of different races, ethnicities and sections of the country, undergoes a hellacious time in the war zone. But Webb tells the story without resorting to clichés, and his powerful writing clearly shows what the war was like for those in the bush. “In swift, flexible prose that does everything he asks of it,” Newsweek magazine stated.“Webb gives us an extraordinary range of acutely observed people, not one a stereotype, and as many different ways of looking at that miserable war. Fields of Fire is a stunner.”

GOING AFTER CACCIATO

by Tim O’Brien, 1978

O’Brien’s ambitious first novel, a National Book Award winner, is a journey of magical realism seen through the eyes of draftee Paul Berlin. Private Cacciato, an off-kilter member of his company, decides to leave Vietnam and walk to Paris. The platoon follows him. O’Brien “opened a door for the rest of us to walk through by illustrating how it was possible to tell deeper truths about war and war’s horrible and lasting consequences by allowing the imagination the power to construct the dynamics of the story and to fill in the gaps of memory,” wrote poet and Vietnam veteran Bruce Weigl.

PACO’S STORY

by Larry Heinemann, 1987

Heinemann’s second literary work, Paco’s Story , a biting tale of the Vietnam War’s emotional aftermath, won the National Book Award for fiction. Heinemann bores into the mind of the book’s antihero, Paco Sullivan, as he struggles with his personal demons after duty in Vietnam left him severely wounded—and the lone survivor in his unit. “Heinemann’s brilliance is that whenever Paco’s world trails into the maudlin, he flings us back to Vietnam, the firefight that killed all of Paco’s platoon, the months in the hospital on various pain-killing drugs,” one reviewer wrote, “and the anodyne of the present becomes justified, and realistic, and the story of one forgotten, generic GI in [a] non-descript town…becomes part of the local lore.”

by Bobbie Ann Mason, 1985

This first novel by Mason is one of the strongest literary treatments of the legacy of the Vietnam War. Sam Hughes, a 17-year-old girl who lives in a small western Kentucky town in 1984, shares a house with Uncle Emmett, a laconic Vietnam veteran suffering from Agent Orange exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder. She is haunted by visions of her father, who was killed in the war before she was born. Other important characters are Emmett’s friends, a group of veterans who hang out at McDonald’s and a local bar. The Vietnam War is at the heart of In Country , but another story is entwined: Sam’s battle against the demons of adolescence. The spare writing, which relies heavily on dialogue, brings life to the characters. Mason’s choice of the war as her novel’s centerpiece is a crucial element in the book’s success.

by Karl Marlantes, 2010

Marlantes, who commanded a 3rd Marine Division rifle platoon in Vietnam, spent three decades working on Matterhorn , his first novel. In this semiautobiographical book, a young Ivy League-educated lieutenant named Mellas is enmeshed in sustained, bloody fighting in Vietnam during 1969. Matterhorn focuses on a company of Marines and a seemingly never-ending succession of battles primarily in and around the mountaintop base that gives the book its incongruous title. The action scenes evoke Vietnam War combat at its most intense—and its most horrible. Writer Sebastian Junger, who has reported on the war in Afghanistan, called the book “one of the most profound and devastating novels ever to come out of Vietnam—or any war. It’s not a book so much as a deployment, and you will not return unaltered.”

THE THINGS THEY CARRIED

by Tim O’Brien, 1990

This may be the biggest-selling, most widely read book of Vietnam War fiction. It has become a fixture in high school and college English classes. The interlinked short stories feature a protagonist named Tim O’Brien, looking back on his life in the war after coming home and meditating on what it all means. The book is filled with clever plots and memorable characters. It also offers brilliant discourses on life, death, truth, fiction and the nature of war stories.

THE SHORT-TIMERS

by Gustav Hasford, 1979

Best known as the book that spawned director Stanley Kubrick’s film Full Metal Jacket , Hasford’s The Short-Timers is a semiautobiographical tale dealing with Private Joker (James Davis, age 19, from rural Alabama), a colorful iconoclastic Marine combat correspondent in Vietnam at the height of the war. “Nothing I’ve read that tried to convey the monstrousness of that grave-maker known as the war in Viet Nam even remotely approaches the eloquence of The Short-Timers ,” wrote critic and novelist Harlan Ellison. “It is one of the most amazing stretches of writing I’ve ever encountered.”

THE PHANTOM BLOOPER

by Gustav Hasford, 1990

Hasford, who worked as a combat correspondent for publications serving the military, realistically depicts a hellish, atrocity-filled war in this Marine tough-guy novel. Its central character is Private Joker, the eternally disaffected Marine brought to literary life by Hasford in The Short-Timers. The Phantom Blooper begins with Joker trying to stay safe and sane during the final days of the siege of Khe Sanh. Joker tries to go one-on-one with the Phantom Blooper, someone who has been killing men in his unit and may even be an American working for the enemy. Then comes the story of Joker’s captivity by Viet Cong villagers. Hasford offers an uncommonly sharp picture of life among the Viet Cong, the North Vietnamese Army and the Vietnamese people in general. Hasford died in 1993.

MEDITATIONS IN GREEN

by Stephen Wright, 1983

Wright’s book is based—very loosely—on his experiences as a drafted Army intelligence analyst who specialized in working with aerial photographs during his 1969- 70 tour in Vietnam. It shifts back and forth in time to tell the war stories of off-the-wall characters who work in the 1069th Military Intelligence Group. The spotlight, however, is on Spc. 4 James Griffin. What happens to the men in Vietnam drives most of them, including Griffin, to the edge of insanity. Once Griffin comes home, his emotional problems intensify. Meditations in Green received high critical praise, along with the Maxwell Perkins Prize for promising first novels. One critic called it a “brilliant and scarifying,” novel, “lurid, extravagant, rhapsodic and horrific by turns—sometimes all at once.”

A GOOD SCENT FROM A STRANGE MOUNTAIN

by Robert Olen Butler, 1992

Butler served in Saigon from 1969 to ’71 as a Vietnamese-speaking Army intelligence specialist. Today he is one of the nation’s most honored literary novelists and short story writers. He received uniform accolades—and a Pulitzer—for this collection of linked short stories, each told in the voice of a different Vietnamese expatriate living in southern Louisiana. “Robert Olen Butler has written an extraordinary book,” novelist James Lee Burke wrote. “He has managed to depict both Vietnam and Louisiana simultaneously in stories that have the delicate and graceful quality of tropical flowers.”

— Marc Leepson has been reviewing Vietnam War books since the late 1970s for newspapers and magazines, including Vietnam . His column on books has appeared in The VVA Veteran , the magazine published by Vietnam Veterans of America, since 1986. He served with the Army’s 527th Personnel Service Company in Qui Nhon, Vietnam, 1967-68.

Originally published in the December 2014 issue of Vietnam. To subscribe, click here .

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Top 20 Best Books on Vietnam War Fiction:2024 Edition

Are you a history buff or a fan of war fiction? Then you’ll want to dive into the world of Vietnam War fiction books. The Vietnam War was a pivotal moment in history, and many authors have captured its complexities and human experiences in their novels. In this article, we’ll explore the 20 best books about Vietnam War fiction, each offering a unique perspective on this tumultuous time in history. Get ready to add some compelling reads to your book on Vietnam War fiction list!

• 1 20 Best Books About Vietnam War Fiction
• 2 The Sympathizer
• 3 Matterhorn
• 4 The Things They Carried
• 5 Tree of Smoke
• 6 The Sorrow of War
• 7 The 13th Valley
• 8 Going After Cacciato
• 9 A Bright Shining Lie
• 10 The Lotus Eaters
• 11 The Quiet American
• 12 Dispatches
• 13 The Tunnels of Cu Chi
• 14 The Killing Zone: My Life in the Vietnam War
• 15 The Short-Timers
• 16 Fields of Fire
• 17 The Forever War
• 18 Fallen Angels
• 19 The Vietnam War: An Intimate History
• 20 The Cat from Hue: A Vietnam War Story
• 21 The Street Without Joy: The French Debacle in Indochina
• 22 Conclusion

20 Best Books About Vietnam War Fiction

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The Sympathizer

By viet thanh nguyen.

The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen is a gripping and thought-provoking book about the Vietnam War fiction. The novel follows a double agent who is deeply embedded in the war, providing a unique perspective on the conflict and its aftermath. As he navigates between two worlds, the protagonist’s internal struggle and moral dilemmas are expertly woven into the narrative, offering a complex and nuanced portrayal of the war and its impact. With its richly drawn characters and vivid portrayal of the era, this vietnam war fiction book is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of war and its lasting effects.

by Karl Marlantes

Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes is a compelling book about the Vietnam War fiction that takes readers deep into the heart of the conflict. Marlantes, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, brings authenticity to the story as he weaves a gripping tale of the young Marines fighting in the jungles of Vietnam. The novel delves into the harsh realities of war, exploring the complex relationships between the soldiers, the challenges they face, and the moral dilemmas they encounter. With vivid descriptions and raw emotions, Matterhorn offers a poignant and realistic portrayal of the vietnam war fiction book. Marlantes’ powerful storytelling and attention to detail make this novel a must-read for anyone interested in the human experience of war.

The Things They Carried

By tim o’brien.

The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien is a powerful and haunting book on Vietnam War fiction. Through a collection of interconnected short stories, O’Brien delves into the experiences of a group of American soldiers during the Vietnam War. The book explores the physical and emotional burdens that the soldiers carry, both literally and figuratively, as they navigate the complexities of war. O’Brien’s writing is raw, honest, and deeply moving, offering a poignant look at the human cost of conflict. With vivid imagery and compelling storytelling, this book about Vietnam War fiction captures the complexities of war and the lasting impact it has on those who are involved. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in Vietnam War fiction books and the human experience within the context of war.

Tree of Smoke

By denis johnson.

Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson is a gripping and intense novel set during the Vietnam War. This acclaimed book on Vietnam War fiction follows the lives of a cast of characters whose paths intersect in the midst of the conflict. The story is filled with the chaos and confusion of war, as well as the personal struggles and moral dilemmas faced by the soldiers and civilians caught in its midst. Johnson’s writing is powerful and evocative, drawing readers into the brutal and harrowing world of the Vietnam War. This book about Vietnam War fiction is a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience in the midst of one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history.

The Sorrow of War

By bao ninh.

The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh is a powerful and haunting book on Vietnam War fiction. The novel follows the story of a North Vietnamese soldier, Kien, as he navigates the brutal realities of war and its aftermath. Through vivid and visceral prose, Ninh paints a stark and unflinching portrait of the vietnam war fiction book, capturing the physical and emotional toll it takes on those involved. The novel delves into the trauma and despair experienced by soldiers, exploring themes of loss, love, and the enduring psychological scars of war. With its raw and evocative storytelling, The Sorrow of War offers a poignant and unvarnished portrayal of the book about Vietnam War fiction, leaving a profound impact on readers long after the final page is turned.

The 13th Valley

By john m. del vecchio.

The 13th Valley by John M. Del Vecchio is a compelling vietnam war fiction book that delves into the harrowing experiences of soldiers during the Vietnam War. Set in the 1970s, the novel follows a group of American soldiers as they navigate the treacherous terrain of the 13th Valley in Vietnam. Del Vecchio’s vivid and gritty portrayal of the soldiers’ struggles, fears, and camaraderie brings the brutal realities of war to life. The novel offers a raw and unflinching look at the psychological and emotional toll of combat, as well as the complexities of the Vietnam War. With its rich character development and powerful storytelling, The 13th Valley is a must-read for anyone interested in book about vietnam war fiction.

Going After Cacciato

Going After Cacciato by Tim O’Brien is a captivating book on Vietnam War fiction that follows the surreal journey of a young soldier named Paul Berlin as he sets out to find his AWOL comrade, Cacciato. As Berlin and his fellow soldiers trek across the harsh terrain of Vietnam, the line between reality and fantasy blurs, and the narrative weaves between the present and the soldiers’ shared memories and dreams. The novel is a poignant exploration of the toll of war, the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of imagination in the face of overwhelming adversity. O’Brien’s evocative prose and skillful storytelling make this a must-read for anyone interested in a thought-provoking and emotional Vietnam War fiction book.

A Bright Shining Lie

By neil sheehan.

A Bright Shining Lie by Neil Sheehan is a gripping and immersive book on the Vietnam War fiction that delves deep into the complexities and contradictions of the conflict. Sheehan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, provides a comprehensive account of the war through the lens of Lieutenant Colonel John Paul Vann, a complex and enigmatic figure who becomes deeply entangled in the conflict.

Sheehan’s book about Vietnam War fiction is a meticulously researched and well-crafted narrative that offers a nuanced portrayal of the war, exploring the political, social, and personal dimensions of the conflict. Through Vann’s story, Sheehan sheds light on the moral ambiguities and human costs of war, making this Vietnam War fiction book a poignant and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in history, politics, and the human experience.

The Lotus Eaters

By tatjana soli.

The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli is a captivating book about the Vietnam War, offering a unique perspective on the conflict. The novel follows the journey of Helen Adams, a daring and passionate photojournalist, as she navigates the chaos and heartbreak of the war-torn country. Through vivid and evocative prose, Soli immerses readers in the intense emotions and moral dilemmas faced by those covering the war. The book delves into the complexities of love, loyalty, and the pursuit of truth in the midst of war. With its richly drawn characters and gripping storytelling, The Lotus Eaters is a compelling read that offers a fresh take on the Vietnam War fiction genre.

The Quiet American

By graham greene.

The Quiet American by Graham Greene is a classic book about the Vietnam War fiction. Set in 1950s Vietnam, the novel follows the story of a jaded British journalist, Thomas Fowler, and the idealistic American aid worker, Alden Pyle, as they navigate the complexities of love, politics, and war. As the two men become entangled in a love triangle with a Vietnamese woman, their differing perspectives on the conflict in Vietnam come to the forefront, leading to a dramatic and thought-provoking climax. Greene’s masterful storytelling and rich character development make The Quiet American a compelling and timeless vietnam war fiction book that explores the moral dilemmas and political intrigue of war.

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by Michael Herr

Dispatches by Michael Herr is a groundbreaking book on the Vietnam War, offering a raw and visceral account of the conflict. Herr, a war correspondent, brings the reader into the heart of the action, capturing the chaos, fear, and surreal nature of the war. Through his vivid and evocative prose, he provides an unflinching look at the experiences of soldiers and the psychological toll of combat. This book about Vietnam War fiction is a gripping and haunting portrayal of the war, immersing the reader in the intense and often harrowing reality of the conflict. Herr’s unique perspective and powerful storytelling make Dispatches a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the human experience of war.

The Tunnels of Cu Chi

By tom mangold and john penycate.

The Tunnels of Cu Chi is a gripping book on the Vietnam War fiction that takes readers deep into the underground network used by the Viet Cong during the conflict. Written by Tom Mangold and John Penycate, this book about Vietnam War fiction provides a fascinating account of the tunnels, which served as a crucial lifeline for the Viet Cong, allowing them to move undetected and launch surprise attacks on American forces. Through detailed research and firsthand interviews, the authors bring to life the harrowing experiences of both the Vietnamese villagers who built the tunnels and the American soldiers tasked with finding and destroying them. With its vivid storytelling and compelling insights, this Vietnam War fiction book offers a compelling exploration of one of the most remarkable and terrifying aspects of the war.

The Killing Zone: My Life in the Vietnam War

By frederick downs.

The Killing Zone: My Life in the Vietnam War by Frederick Downs is a gripping memoir that provides a raw and unfiltered account of the author’s experiences as a combat infantryman during the Vietnam War. Downs vividly describes the harrowing realities of war, from the relentless enemy attacks to the physical and emotional toll it takes on soldiers. Through his powerful storytelling, readers are transported to the heart of the conflict, gaining a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those who served. This compelling book about Vietnam War fiction offers a unique and personal perspective on a tumultuous period in history, making it a must-read for anyone interested in gaining insight into the human side of war.

The Short-Timers

By gustav hasford.

The Short-Timers by Gustav Hasford is a gripping book on Vietnam War fiction that takes readers on a visceral journey through the experiences of a young Marine during the conflict. The novel delves into the harsh realities of war, capturing the camaraderie, fear, and brutality that characterized the Vietnam War. Hasford’s powerful writing and vivid imagery bring the intense and chaotic atmosphere of the war to life, immersing readers in the raw emotions and harrowing experiences of the characters. With its unflinching portrayal of the psychological and physical toll of combat, this book about Vietnam War fiction offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience in the midst of war. The Short-Timers is a must-read for anyone seeking a poignant and authentic portrayal of the Vietnam War fiction book.

Fields of Fire

By james webb.

Fields of Fire by James Webb is a powerful and gritty book about the Vietnam War. This novel offers a raw and realistic portrayal of the conflict, drawing on the author’s own experiences as a Marine in Vietnam. Webb’s vivid and visceral prose captures the brutality and chaos of the war, as well as the personal struggles and triumphs of the soldiers involved. The story follows a group of young Marines as they navigate the challenges of combat, friendship, and loss in the unforgiving jungles of Vietnam. Fields of Fire is a compelling and unforgettable exploration of the human cost of war, and a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of the Vietnam War.

The Forever War

By joe haldeman.

The Forever War by Joe Haldeman is a classic science fiction novel that explores the effects of war and time dilation on the human experience. Set in the distant future, the story follows the protagonist, William Mandella, as he becomes embroiled in an interstellar conflict against an alien race. The novel draws parallels to the author’s own experiences as a Vietnam War veteran, offering a poignant commentary on the futility and dehumanizing nature of war. Haldeman’s compelling storytelling and thought-provoking themes have made The Forever War a timeless and influential book on Vietnam War fiction, resonating with readers across generations. This Vietnam War fiction book is a must-read for fans of military sci-fi and anyone interested in thought-provoking explorations of the human cost of war.

Fallen Angels

By walter dean myers.

Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers is a gripping book on Vietnam War fiction that follows the journey of a young soldier, Richie Perry, as he navigates the brutal realities of war. Set in the late 1960s, the novel provides a raw and unflinching portrayal of the challenges and perils faced by soldiers in the midst of the conflict. Myers’ vivid storytelling and compelling characters bring to life the intense emotions and moral dilemmas experienced by those caught in the chaos of war. Through Richie’s eyes, readers are given a haunting and poignant glimpse into the human cost of battle. This book about Vietnam War fiction is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of war and its impact on the individuals involved.

The Vietnam War: An Intimate History

By geoffrey c. ward and ken burns.

The Vietnam War: An Intimate History by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns is a gripping book about the Vietnam War fiction. This comprehensive account takes readers on a deeply personal journey through one of the most tumultuous and divisive periods in American history. Through vivid storytelling and a wealth of archival footage, the authors shed light on the human experience of the war, from the soldiers on the front lines to the anti-war activists at home. The book offers a poignant look at the complexities of the conflict and its lasting impact on those who lived through it. With meticulous research and powerful narratives, this vietnam war fiction book brings to life the personal stories and struggles of individuals caught up in the turmoil of war.

The Cat from Hue: A Vietnam War Story

By john laurence.

The Cat from Hue is a gripping book about the Vietnam War written by John Laurence, a war correspondent who covered the conflict for over a decade. Through his own experiences and interviews with soldiers, Laurence provides a raw and unflinching portrayal of the war and its impact on the people involved. The book delves into the emotional and psychological toll of war, offering a deeply personal insight into the experiences of those on the front lines. Laurence’s vivid storytelling and intimate knowledge of the subject matter make this vietnam war fiction book a compelling and unforgettable read. The Cat from Hue is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the human cost of war.

The Street Without Joy: The French Debacle in Indochina

By bernard b. fall.

The Street Without Joy: The French Debacle in Indochina is a seminal book about the Vietnam War fiction by Bernard B. Fall. This gripping account provides a detailed analysis of the French military’s struggle in Indochina, offering a comprehensive understanding of the conflicts that would later shape the Vietnam War. Fall’s firsthand experience as a war correspondent and his extensive research make this vietnam war fiction book a compelling and informative read. The book delves into the political, military, and cultural complexities of the region, shedding light on the challenges faced by the French forces and the local population. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous historical analysis, Fall paints a vivid picture of the tumultuous events that unfolded in Indochina, making The Street Without Joy an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Vietnam War.

In conclusion, the Vietnam War has inspired a wealth of powerful and thought-provoking fiction. The 20 best books about Vietnam War Fiction showcase the diverse experiences and perspectives of those who lived through this tumultuous time. From harrowing accounts of combat to intimate portrayals of the human cost of war, these books offer a glimpse into a defining era of American history. Whether you’re a history buff or simply a lover of good storytelling, these books are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Which Vietnam War Fiction book is best?

The best book on Vietnam War Fiction can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:

• The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen ,
• Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes ,
• The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien .

Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.

What are the best books to learn about Vietnam War Fiction?

For those looking to learn about Vietnam War Fiction, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:

• The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien ,
• Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson ,
• The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh ,
• The 13th Valley by John M. Del Vecchio ,
• Going After Cacciato by Tim O’Brien ,
• A Bright Shining Lie by Neil Sheehan ,
• The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli ,
• The Quiet American by Graham Greene

These books offer a range of perspectives on Vietnam War Fiction, covering various aspects and approaches to the subject.

What are the best books on Vietnam War Fiction?

The best books on Vietnam War Fiction include:

• Dispatches by Michael Herr ,
• The Tunnels of Cu Chi by Tom Mangold and John Penycate ,
• The 13th Valley by John M. Del Vecchio .

Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books on the topic of Vietnam War Fiction are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.

What are the best Vietnam War Fiction books of all time?

Choosing the best Vietnam War Fiction books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but seven titles that are often celebrated include

• The Quiet American by Graham Greene ,
• and Dispatches by Michael Herr .

Each of these books has made a significant impact in the field of Vietnam War Fiction and continues to be influential today.

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Best Books on Vietnam War

Discover the most compelling narratives and histories of the vietnam war, curated from top literary sources. these books have been repeatedly recognized for their insightful and in-depth exploration of one of the most turbulent periods of the 20th century..

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The Vietnam War, 50 Years On: A Reading List

George black recommends frederick logevall, lien-hang t. nguyen, and more.

By one estimate, something like thirty thousand books have been written about we call “the Vietnam War.” It’s a term I generally try to avoid, because it distorts our understanding of what the conflict was about, where it was fought, and by whom. My own preference is to talk about the American War in Vietnam, which is what the Vietnamese themselves call it, as opposed to the earlier French War, from which it grew organically.

It’s more accurate still to talk about the First and Second Indochina Wars, and the themes I explore in my own book on the war and its aftermath, The Long Reckoning , make no sense without embracing the critical role of the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail through neighboring Laos.

Any list of books on the war, whatever we choose to call it, has to include some of the early classics, even if time, hindsight, and new generations of scholarship can sometimes be harsh judges of their shortcomings. Agreed, the earliest of these classics, Graham Greene’s The Quiet American , set during the latter years of the French War, has in some ways not aged well, especially in its stereotypical portrait of the young Vietnamese woman, Phuong—beautiful, passive, available, but in the end inscrutable. Yet Greene nails all of the illusions and naïveté that led the Americans to disaster more than a decade after it was published, and needs less than 200 pages to do it.

Frances Fitzgerald’s Pulitzer Prize- and National Book Award-winning Fire in the Lake: The Vietnamese and the Americans in Vietnam , has been taken to task in recent years for its overly romantic view of the Vietnamese struggle for national independence, but it’s still extraordinary to think that a work of such historical sweep and depth could have been written in 1972, when American troops were still in the field—and by a woman, just 32 years old, working in a male-dominated reporting environment.

Michael Herr’s hallucinogenic Dispatches has many of the narrative tics and excesses of the New Journalism of the 1960s. But to take issue with it for that, as some do these days, seems to me like condemning Jimi Hendrix for his feedback-drenched mutilation of The Star-Spangled Banner at Woodstock because it’s out of touch with current trends in rock music. Dispatches similarly encapsulates a particular instant in time, and it still stands out for its empathy with the ordinary grunts with whom Herr chose to embed, sharing their privations and their terrors, in the nightmarish landscapes along the DMZ in I Corps, the northernmost military zone in South Vietnam, where most of The Long Reckoning is set.

Of the first generation of books on the military and diplomatic tragedy of America’s involvement in Vietnam—by which I mean those published before about 1990—there are some that will stand up to any test of time and any amount of historical revisionism (and all historical writing in the end is an exercise in revisionism). Two in particular dismantle the illusions, misconceptions, and hubris that drove the war: Neil Sheehan’s A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam , which was published in 1988; and David Halberstam’s The Best and the Brightest , which appeared in the following year.

I’d add to this opening list the masterful scholarship of George C. Herring, the dean of American historians of the war, who passed away just last year. The unique virtue of his classic history, America’s Longest War: The United States and Vietnam 1950-1975 , is that after its initial publication in 1979, Herring took it through five more revised editions, each taking into account the latest scholarly insights. And as the dates in the subtitle imply, it embraces both parts of what I think of as the Second Indochina War. If there’s one single primer to read, this is it.

Those, then, are six foundational books on the “Vietnam War.” But what of the other 29,994? Here are a few of those that had an especially profound impact on my thinking as I wrote The Long Reckoning .

Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America’s Vietnam by Frederick Logevall

Logevall, a historian at Harvard’s Kennedy School, has emerged as Herring’s successor as the pre-eminent scholar of the war, and Embers of War deservedly won the Pulitzer Prize. Deeply researched and minutely detailed, but at the same time elegantly written, Logevall’s story begins with Ho Chi Minh’s presentation of a plea for Vietnamese independence at the 1919 Versailles Peace Conference and ends with the deaths in 1959 of the first two Americans to have their names engraved on the Vietnam Wall. The drama pivots on the fatal error made by American policymakers after World War II, when, fixated on their fear of Communist expansion, they decided that it was more important to indulge the continued colonial fantasies of their defeated wartime ally rather than accept that postwar decolonization was a force from which France could not remain exempt.

Hanoi’s War: An International History of the War for Peace in Vietnam  by Lien-Hang T. Nguyen

For decades, as the United States struggled with the trauma of its first-ever defeat in a foreign war and the shattering of long-held illusions about the nation’s unique combination of strength and virtue, historians concentrated on one central question: Why did we lose? But this began to change as the Cold War ended and Vietnam, the former Soviet Union, and other formerly Communist nations began to open their long-sealed archives. With this, it became possible to address the corollary question: Why did they win?

Lien-Hang T. Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American scholar at Columbia University, goes further than anyone in answering that question, and in the process dispels much of our received wisdom about the war. Her analysis of the internal divisions in Hanoi makes it clear that it was not Ho Chi Minh but his hardline rival Le Duan who was the main architect of the war effort. And her insights into Hanoi’s diplomacy makes equally clear the skill with which it managed to navigate the Sino-Soviet split, securing aid from both of the great Communist powers but always maintaining its strategic independence.

The Things They Carried  by Tim O’Brien

This would make most people’s shortlist of the greatest books on the war, and mine is no exception. The Things They Carried has deservedly become a staple of middle- and high-school English classes as a model of great narrative writing, and I’m glad that it was on the syllabus for my own kids at that age. But at the same time I wish that it could also be taught more often as a point of entry into a deeper understanding of the war and the experience to which it subjected our veterans.

Younger generations of Americans remain woefully ignorant of what happened in Southeast Asia, another chapter in a long national tradition of historical amnesia that continues to lead us into more foreign misadventures. In our current political climate, however, perhaps teaching O’Brien’s masterpiece in that way would only lead to it joining the many other books being pulled off library shelves because they risk making some students and parents uncomfortable.

Vietnam-Perkasie: A Combat Marine Memoir by W.D. Ehrhart

There are many great memoirs of Vietnam by combat veterans, especially by Marines who had the misfortune to serve in I Corps, where much of my own book is set. But Erhart’s unsparing confessional of one Marine’s descent into hell is unique in the intensity of the moral questions it raises about what war does to young men. It shows how an ordinary 18-year-old from a small town in Pennsylvania could be transformed into someone who could gun down an unarmed old woman simply because she is wearing black pajamas and running away, or yuk it up with his buddies as they destroy an abandoned Buddhist temple just for the hell of it, or take his place in a line of Marines waiting for their turn with a starving woman trading her body for a can of C-rations. An unforgettable book by a man who went on to become the unrivaled poet of the war.

Matterhorn and What It Is Like to Go to War by Karl Marlantes

Matterhorn is the third in my trilogy of great books by combat veterans. It took Marlantes, a former Marine lieutenant in I Corps, 35 years to write, drafted and redrafted and rejected and redrafted again until an editor finally told him to cut the doorstop manuscript in half. In the vast literature on the war, there is nothing else quite like Matterhorn . It works both as microcosm—conveying in granular detail the excruciating minute-by-minute grind of combat in the forbidding mountains along the DMZ—and as grand metaphor, for the endlessly repeated futility of operations in which troops were ordered to take some anonymous hill, hold it, and then abandon it again.

But Matterhorn acquires even deeper levels of meaning when read in conjunction with Marlantes’s book of essays, What It Is Like to Go to War , which intersperses vignettes of his time in Vietnam with meditations on the constants of all wars: killing, guilt, lying, loyalty, revenge, and the necessary dehumanization of the enemy that transforms young men, not otherwise inclined to take the life of another human being, into killing machines.

Patriots: The Vietnam War Remembered From All Sides  by Christian Appy

In the great tradition of Studs Terkel’s oral histories, Patriots gives us a symphony of voices that capture the full sweep and complexity of the war: combatants and civilians; men and women; Americans, North Vietnamese, and South Vietnamese; journalists, writers, and poets; doctors and scientists; policymakers and photographers; pilots and POWs; anti-war activists and witnesses to atrocity; and countless others. “All sides” indeed. Cast away on the proverbial desert island, this is probably the one book on Vietnam I’d take with me, one to read and reread or simply dip into again, savoring the reacquaintance with the Appy’s vast cast of characters, each of them memorable in his or her own distinct way.

The Sorrow of War  by Bao Ninh

On street corners in Hanoi or outside tourist attractions like the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon, you’ll often find vendors peddling pirated copies of this extraordinary autobiographical novel of the war. Banned until 2006 in Vietnam, It’s the story of a North Vietnamese grunt, a member of the 514 th Glorious Youth Brigade, a relentless portrayal of war and its aftermath, as experienced by one of the millions who were dehumanized by Americans during the war with racist epithets like gooks and dinks .

It centers on the narrator’s search for those lost in battle, the “screaming souls” condemned to wander, unable to find passage to the world of their ancestors. Read today, it’s also a sobering reminder that while the United States continues to devote huge sums each year to search for the 1,500 or so Americans still missing in action in Southeast Asia, no one even knows how many Vietnamese dead remain unrecovered, although 300,000 is one common estimate.

Nothing Ever Dies: Vietnam and the Memory of War  by Viet Thanh Nguyen

Nguyen is best known as a writer of fiction, especially for his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Sympathizer , which delves into the conflictive passions and treacheries of the Vietnamese-American diaspora in California. But he’s also a distinguished essayist and scholar, and Nothing Ever Dies is a brilliant collection of essays on how both sides remember and memorialize the war—or choose to forget it. “All wars are fought twice,” Nguyen writes, “the first time on the battlefield, the second time in memory.”

His subjects range from Vietnam’s propagandistic war museums, with their heroic statues and totemic displays of wrecked American airplanes and armored vehicles, to the Vietnam Wall in Washington and the neglected cemeteries of the southern war dead. Above all, the book is about the ethics of remembering. “When we recognize our capacity to do harm, we can reconcile with others who we feel have hurt us,” he writes, “then perhaps we would go to war less readily and be more open to reconciliation in its aftermath.”

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The Long Reckoning: A Story of War, Peace, and Redemption in Vietnam by George Black is available from Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.

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27 Best Books About Vietnam’s History, War, & Culture

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Explore the best books about Vietnam to learn more about its history, culture, and the Vietnam War, fiction and nonfiction.

Whether you are interested in reading more about the Vietnam War – from both American and Vietnamese perspectives – or are hoping to explore Vietnamese identity and culture, this reading list covers a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction books on Vietnam across genres.

Meet famous Vietnamese authors along with a few iconic American authors writing about the disillusionment of war.

Begin with nonfiction books about the war and Vietnam over the decades, including memoirs, biographies, and comprehensive history books.

Then, dive into Vietnamese classics and historical fiction, followed by novels about Vietnam, covering themes of famine, war, colonialism, generational trauma, and what it means to become a refugee.

While many of these books are solemn and filled with overcoming hardship and lessons learned, others are uplighting and full of hope.

Find books for adults as well as teens and tweens. Short stories, graphic novels, and literary fiction included.

Travel via armchair to a beautiful country. Let’s get started.

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Table of Contents

Best Nonfiction Books about the Vietnam War

When heaven and earth changed places by le ly hayslip with jay wurts.

This memoir from Vietnamese author Le Ly Hayslip is one of the best books on Vietnam refugees and the struggles of having to flee your native country in the face of war.

Film director Oliver Stone, who felt that the story of the Vietnam War was not complete without taking into account the Vietnamese perspective, made this book into a feature film in 1993 .

When Heaven and Earth Changed Places remains one of the best Vietnam War books and one of the most poignant.

In her Buddhist family, Le Ly was the youngest of six children and only 12 years old when American helicopters first landed in her small village in central Vietnam.

Both sides of the conflict were recruiting children to help their cause; so, despite her young age, she was swept up into the war. Hayslip suffered starvation, rape, and the deaths of loved ones.

20 years after her traumatic experiences forced her to flee to the United States , Le Ly Hayslip returned to her native land, where devastation – and reunions – awaited.

Read When Heaven and Earth Changed Places : Amazon | Goodreads

A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam by Neil Sheehan

Having won the 1989 Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction, A Bright Shining Lie cemented itself as one of the best books about Vietnam history from an American perspective .

Author Neil Sheehan was on the ground during the conflict. He provides a well-organized account of the whole development, execution, and legacy of the Vietnam War .

Of all the voices that proclaimed the American War in Vietnam to be being fought properly and justly, Lt Col John Paul Vann was one of a few who declared the opposite.

As a field advisor to the army as American involvement was just beginning, Vann saw how his superiors were being manipulated by political intrigues and attempted to inform the press of the real facts.

By doing so, Vann became a hugely important figure in the conflict. He attempted to change how the American troops were being deployed, and how many lives could be spared.

Read A Bright Shining Lie : Amazon | Goodreads

A Rumor of War by Philip Caputo

In the years since its first publication in 1977, A Rumor of War has become one of the main texts on the Vietnam War and is recognized as one of the best books about Vietnam from a soldier’s perspective .

Author Philip Caputo frankly tells his readers upfront that this memoir is not a history book, but simply an account of what happened to him and the men under his command.

Over the course of 3 main sections, Caputo is deployed in a rifle company in Danang, removed to a desk job with emotional exhaustion, and then returned to active duty in the field.

As he gains more and more experience of life as a soldier in this deadly war, he and his men turn from boys eager to recreate “glorious” World War II battles to veterans all too familiar with booby traps and dirty tactics .

Read A Rumor of War : Amazon | Goodreads

The Pentagon Papers: The Secret History of the Vietnam War by Neil Sheehan, Hedrick Smith, E.W. Kenworthy & Fox Butterfield

The Pentagon Papers stands as a flagship example of the importance of free speech and First Amendment rights. It remains one of the best books about the Vietnam War and the politics surrounding it.

This explosive exposé book , originally published by the New York Times back in 1971, brought to light the extent to which the Johnson Administration had been lying to the American public.

Contained within are damning reports on the disparity between what was being told to the people of the United States about the Vietnam War and what was actually happening on the ground.

It became clear that the government was lying extensively to Congress, and to the people, who found themselves shocked and angered by the extent to which things had been covered up .

Read The Pentagon Papers : Amazon | Goodreads

Born on the Fourth of July by Ron Kovic

This autobiography from Vietnam veteran and anti-war activist Ron Kovic is one of the most passionate and powerful books about Vietnam and the futility of violence.

Born on the Fourth of July was made into an A cademy Award-winning movie in 1989 starring Tom Cruise and directed by Oliver Stone.

Kovic’s life was shaped by the Vietnam War from an early age, as he went straight from high school to joining the United States Marine Corps , with which he went on two tours in Vietnam.

During his second tour, Kovic was shot by enemy fire and paralyzed from the waist down at just 21 years of age.

Following this incident, having been returned to the US, Kovic became one of the most vocal activists opposing the Vietnam War .

Read Born on the Fourth of July : Amazon | Goodreads

A Vietcong Memoir: An Inside Account of the Vietnam War and its Aftermath by Truong Nhu Tang

Truong Nhu Tang’s memoir is one of the best books about the disillusionment of war. Tang was educated in France where he learned about the Vietnamese Independence movement and met Ho Chi Minh .

During this time, Tang would go on to become an anti-government activist. When he returned home, he was eventually arrested for anti-government activism in South Vietnam.

After being arrested, tortured, and released into the jungle, Tang became a communist party member and one of the leaders of the Viet Cong , or National Liberation Front (NFL).

Despite his allegiance throughout the war, after the Fall of Saigon , Tang eventually became disillusioned with the new government.

A Vietcong Memoir is one of the best books on Vietnam history, detailing Tang’s pathway into activism, his activities during the war, and his sense of betrayal when the war ended.

Read A Vietcong Memoir : Amazon | Goodreads

Where the Ashes Are: The Odyssey of a Vietnamese Family by Nguyen Qui Duc

3 stories surrounding the fates of 3 different members of a Vietnamese family are the main focus of one of the most insightful and well-written Vietnam books.

Author Nguyen Qui Duc tells of the breaking of his family during the Vietnam War, and how he and his father, mother, and sister all suffered under different torturous circumstances.

As a high-ranking civil servant , Nguyen’s father was taken prisoner and held for 12 years, during which he composed poems in his head to stay sane.

Nguyen himself was forced to flee Vietnam at 9 years old, growing up in the United States before returning as an American reporter to a land he no longer knew.

Nguyen’s mother stayed behind in order to look after her daughter’s ailing mental health, suffering poverty and “reeducation” in the process – hoping that one day the family would be reunited.

Read Where the Ashes Are : Amazon | Goodreads

The Best and the Brightest by David Halberstam

If you’re a reader who always looks for the reasons behind the bigger events in history, The Best and the Brightest is one of the best books about the Vietnam War for you.

During his extensive political analysis of the American involvement in the Vietnam War, author David Halberstam attempts to answer two very important questions.

Why did America become entrenched in the Vietnam War, and why did it lose?

To provide answers to these questions, and in an attempt to get to the bottom of such a horrific ordeal, Halberstam tears into both the Kennedy and Johnson administrations .

Analyzing the period of 1960-1965 and some key years beforehand, Halberstam has some damning conclusions to share about the murky beginnings of the conflict.

Read The Best and the Brightest : Amazon | Goodreads

The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui

Inspired by the autobiographical works of Art Spiegelman’s Maus and Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis , author and illustrator Thi Bui’s graphic novel is both personal and profound.

The Best We Could Do is one of the best books about Vietnam for teens and tweens , based on the research Bui conducted for her Master’s thesis.

This research involved oral interviews with her parents about difficult subjects, including her family’s daring escape from South Vietnam in the 1970s .

We learn about their long and arduous journey towards the United States and a new life.

In order to share this important story with the world, Bui had to train for 10 years to obtain the artistic skill with which to depict her parents’ account of their family’s struggles.

The result is an emotional, poetic, and haunting graphic novel for middle-grade and high-school readers that stands as one of the best books on Vietnam culture.

Read The Best We Could Do : Amazon | Goodreads

Nonfiction Books On Vietnam’s History & Culture

Vietnam: a history by stanley karnow.

Considered one of the most definitive accounts of the Vietnam War, this Pulitzer Prize winner is one of the best books about Vietnam for history buffs.

This 750+ page book spans the history of Vietnam through the 19th century, particularly the events that led to the Vietnam War, and the war itself.

Karnow’s comprehensive history tries to cover every angle of the Vietnam War without bias.

Despite its attempts, though, the book certainly isn’t without bias. However, it is a great place to start if you want a thorough history of Vietnam – and prefer history books to memoirs or novels.

Read Vietnam : Amazon | Goodreads

The Land I Lost: Adventures of a Boy in Vietnam by Quang Nhuong Huynh, Illustrated by Vo-Dinh Mai

If you’re looking for the best Vietnam books for middle-grade readers , The Land I Lost is an excellent choice.

Over the course of fifteen separate stories , author Quang Nhuong Huynh recounts his memories as a young boy growing up in the highlands of Vietnam.

It is clear that simply surviving until the next morning is a regular challenge for the people of the village, with plenty of problems and all sorts of animals causing unexpected shifts in the narrative.

Readers should be aware that there are a couple of stories that may be too intense for younger audiences; some vetting may be in order before diving straight in.

Read The Land I Lost : Amazon | Goodreads

The Sacred Willow: Four Generations in the Live of a Vietnamese Family by Duong Van Mai Elliott

Having lived much of her life outside of Vietnam, author Duong Van Mai Elliott was inspired to write this study of her family by a desire to return to her roots.

With family members scattered around the world, Mai Elliott wanted to provide them with a written account of their family history , and so embarked on this personal project.

By creating a detailed documentation of life in her family across four generations , Mai Elliott has created one of the best showcases of Vietnamese history for modern readers.

Featuring content derived from extensive interviews, governmental paperwork, personal recollection, and other research, this is one of the most comprehensive books about Vietnam.

Read The Sacred Willow : Amazon | Goodreads

Classic Fiction Books About Vietnam

Dumb luck by vu trong phung, translated by nguyen nguyet cam & peter zinoman.

Written by one of the most famous and influential Vietnamese writers of the 20th century, Dumb Luck was originally banned in Vietnam for 50 years due to its adult content.

Not only is it one of the best novels about Vietnam, but it is also one of the most biting satires of the late colonial urban social order of the day.

Dumb Luck is the story of “Red-haired” Xuan, a street-smart rogue who manages an unexpected and meteoric rise through the ranks of the social classes .

Along the way, there are plenty of comedic moments amongst the rich cast of well-developed characters.

There are frequent comments on fashion and capitalism , and more than one occasion of realistically depicted sexual encounters – quite radical for the readers of 1936.

Read Dumb Luck : Amazon | Goodreads

The Quiet American by Graham Greene

From celebrated novelist Graham Greene comes a tale of love, loss, and subterfuge, set in the midst of the First Indochina War .

The events covered in this novel – one of the best fiction books about Vietnam from a foreign perspective – laid the groundwork for the Second Indochina War: the Vietnam War.

In The Quiet American , we follow the British journalist Thomas Fowler, who has been covering the conflict with the French army in Vietnam in the early to mid-1950s.

Into this environment comes a young American named Alden Pyle, a brash young idealist sent from Washington on a clandestine mission that raises Fowler’s suspicions.

Before long, Fowler finds himself getting involved in Pyle’s affairs, especially when it appears that Pyle may have taken the heart of Phuong, Fowler’s beautiful Vietnamese lover.

Read The Quiet American : Amazon | Goodreads

The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

Tim O’Brien’s semi-autobiographical collection of interlinked short stories is one of the best books about the Vietnam War and morality. It’s also a sad, guilt-ridden, and difficult read .

These stories follow a platoon of American soldiers fighting in Vietnam during the war. Most of these young men have been drafted and struggle with their role in this war.

Through the stories, we get to know the men as they share close quarters and stories – and learn things about themselves.

While some find a sense of place and purpose in the war, many are left grappling with the reality and morality of it, especially as fellow soldiers and friends are lost.

Himself drafted into the Vietnam War, O’Brien drew on his own experiences in the combat zone when writing The Things They Carried .

In fact, the protagonist and narrator throughout is named Tim O’Brien, giving the book a meta-quality and further blurring the line between fact and fiction.

A finalist for the Pulitzer , and frequently still taught in schools, this remains one of the best books about Vietnam decades after its first publication.

Read The Things They Carried : Amazon | Goodreads

Paradise of the Blind by Duong Thu Huong, translated by Nina McPherson and Phan Huy Duong

As one of the most emotional books on Vietnam and identity, Paradise of the Blind is a striking statement against the patriarchal Vietnamese culture of the day. It also holds the distinction of being the first Vietnamese novel published in English in the US.

Written as part of a trilogy by author Duong Thu Huong, it was banned in its native land for its outspoken political views.

The story follows a nonlinear format, as our main protagonist and narrator, Hang, travels to Moscow to visit her ailing Uncle Chinh. She reflects on the seminal moments of her life.

Her family – and her village – were torn apart both by land reform and the actions of Uncle Chinh, who put his political leanings before the welfare of his family.

As she finds herself yearning for a life that is her own, will Hang find a way to break the cycle and find happiness for herself?

Read Paradise of the Blind : Amazon | Goodreads

Historical Fiction About Vietnam

The sympathizer by viet thanh nguyen.

Author Viet Thanh Nguyen had possibly the best introduction to writing novels, seeing as his debut novel The Sympathizer won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction .

In fact, he followed that up with more success when his next book, Nothing Ever Dies: Vietnam and the Memory of War was a finalist for the National Book Award for Nonfiction .

But it is this gripping spy story that is his most popular work, in which a Captain in the South Vietnamese Army plays a double agent when he and his superiors relocate to the US.

Whilst the rest of Saigon falls into disorder, a whiskey-drinking General casually draws up a list of those who will be on the last flight out of the country.

One name on that list is of his “trusted” Captain – his right-hand man – who may, in fact, be collecting information on him to send back to his superiors in the Viet Cong …

Often considered one of the best books about Vietnam, The Sympathizer is an engaging introduction to the country’s fraught history and politics.

Read The Sympathizer : Amazon | Goodreads

The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai

While most books about Vietnam history are told through the lens of South Vietnam, The Mountains Sing instead offers a perspective Westerners rarely see of the war: North Vietnam .

In this sweeping, multigenerational story , we are introduced to the Tran family. Tran Dieu Lan is a landowner in North Vietnam, where she lives and works with her family.

But during the Land Reform of the 1950s , she is forced to flee with her six children to escape certain death.

Twenty years later, Dieu Lan lives in Hanoi with her young granddaughter, Huong, while Huong’s parents and uncles are off at war.

Through these two perspectives and timelines, we see some of the biggest events in the history of Vietnam and their lasting effect on both families and the country as a whole.

With lyrical prose and haunting tales of survival, this is undoubtedly one of the best books set in Vietnam.

Discover more amazing women in historical fiction .

Read The Mountains Sing : Amazon | Goodreads

The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh, translated by Phan Thanh Hao

Originally published in 1991 and translated into English 3 years later, The Sorrow of War has become an international bestseller, despite being published against the wishes of the then government.

Author Bao Ninh’s novel is an emotional rollercoaster and one of the best books about Vietnam for anyone looking for stream-of-consciousness storytelling .

Our main protagonist is Kien, one of the former North Vietnamese soldiers working on an operation to collect the remains of fallen comrades for reburial.

This grim activity causes him to reflect on his memories. We are taken backward and forwards in time to different periods and events of Kien’s life.

From moments with his family, neighbors, former lovers, and fellow soldiers to scenes before, during, and after the war, we piece together a picture of a man disillusioned by conflict.

Read The Sorrow of War : Amazon | Goodreads

Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War by Karl Marlantes

It goes without saying that the overall American experience of war in Vietnam was traumatic and visceral. Author Karl Marlantes puts the reader right in the heat of battle in this epic war novel .

Himself a highly decorated Vietnam veteran , Marlantes drew from his own experiences over 30 years to write one of the best books about the Vietnam War.

Matterhorn focuses on the timeless story of a young Marine Lieutenant named Waino Malles, who along with Bravo Company, is dropped into the mountainous jungle terrain of Vietnam.

Their mission concerns “Matterhorn,” a fire-support base in Quang Tri Province. The first time they arrive there, they are to build the base but are later ordered to abandon it.

The second time they enter the region, their mission is to retake it from enemy hands. Afterward, none of them will ever be the same again.

Read Matterhorn : Amazon | Goodreads

Novel Without a Name by Duong Thu Huong, translated by Phan Huy Duong & Nina McPherson

From acclaimed Vietnamese author Duong Thu Huong comes one of the best novels about Vietnam, with the story of one soldier coming to terms with his loss of innocence in the face of war.

At the beginning of Novel Without a Name , we meet 28-year-old Quan, who has been a member of the North Vietnamese Army for 10 years.

Originally, when he left his village at the tender age of 18, he was full of hopes, ideals, and optimism about the conflict.

Now, however, he has become disillusioned, spending his days trying to dodge bullets long enough to find scraps of food to feed himself and his men.

When a chance to return home presents itself, Quan seizes it, despite the psychological ordeal he knows he must endure to achieve his goal.

Read Novel Without a Name : Amazon | Goodreads

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The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli

High drama and tension combine against a backdrop of war-torn Vietnam in one of the most sweeping love stories from author Tatjana Soli, The Lotus Eaters .

If you’re a lover of wartime romance and historical fiction, this could be one of the best books about Vietnam for you.

Our protagonist is Helen Adams, a combat photographer drawn to the conflict in Vietnam following the death of her brother.

There, she meets a charismatic new mentor in the form of Samuel Darrow, an award-winning photographer who steals her heart.

However, Darrow’s closest confidante – his Vietnamese ex-soldier assistant Linh – is also in the picture, and soon a tragic love triangle is formed.

With the North Vietnamese army poised to enter Saigon, will Helen manage to survive the struggle and be healed by the redemptive power of love?

Read The Lotus Eaters : Amazon | Goodreads

Modern Fiction Books Set in Vietnam

Ticket to childhood by nguyen nhat anh, translated by will naythons.

Ticket to Childhood will bring you back to the innocence of being a kid. Wildly popular upon its original release, this translation into English is a first for author Nguyen Nhat Anh, who has been writing Vietnamese literature since the 1980s.

Narrated by the protagonist as an adult, we are shown glimpses into his childhood as he tells of his and his friends’ misadventures as 8-year-olds.

These activities range from inventing a new language to communicate in secret in the classroom, to discussing (and judging) the neighborhood’s elders without them noticing.

Stripping away the weight and complexity of an adult perspective, we are shown the world full of everyday tragedies and little miracles that make childhood so invigorating.

While it’s one of the shorter novels about Vietnam, Ticket to Childhood is a treat not to be missed.

Read Ticket to Childhood : Amazon | Goodreads

She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran

She is a Haunting is one of the best social and folk horror novels about Vietnam as it weaves Vietnamese culture with the effects of war and colonialism .

Jade Nguyen and her sister Lily are spending the summer in Vietnam with their estranged dad, helping him fix up an old colonial home.

He hopes to turn the building into a successful B&B. However, Jade just wants to get through the summer with the promised funding for college.

However, not long after she arrives, strange and terrifying things keep happening around the house. Except, only Jade seems to notice the bugs and the ghostly presences.

It isn’t enough that Jade is dealing with her cultural identity, her bisexuality, and her strained relationship with her dad, but no one else seems to believe the house is haunted .

For anyone who loves reading about complicated family dynamics or coming-of-age tales, this is one of the best YA LGBT+ novels set in Vietnam.

Read She Is a Haunting : Amazon | Goodreads

Build Your House Around My Body by Violet Kupersmith

Part body horror, part revenge crime thriller, part social commentary and critique of colonialism, Build Your House Around My Body is one of the hardest Vietnam books to pin down.

In 2011, Winnie, a half-Vietnamese-half-White American EFL teacher living in Saigon, goes missing.

The book is told in chapters both before and after Winnie’s disappearance as we unravel not only what has happened to Winnie, but Vietnam’s own dark history.

Interspersed throughout is the story of three friends from the Vietnamese highlands: Tan, Long, and Binh.

Binh is a wealthy teenage girl who, twenty-five years earlier, while fleeing her father’s wrath, becomes lost and has a life-altering encounter.

Invoking Vietnamese folklore and feminist rage, Build Your House Around My Body is one of the most unique books about Vietnam.

Read Build Your House Around My Body : Amazon | Goodreads

Best Novels about Vietnam Culture & Identity

The book of salt by monique truong.

From Vietnamese-American author Monique Truong comes an award-winning, stream-of-consciousness story with deep, strong themes of colonialism and identity.

Binh is a gay Vietnamese cook, working as a personal chef to Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas in their apartment in Paris.

Years previously, he fled his native land in disgrace and has not returned since.

He didn’t leave on the best of terms either, with his father having openly criticized and denounced his son’s homosexuality.

As Binh reflects on the memories of his childhood in French-colonial Vietnam , he hopes that he can find a sense of identity either through romantic relationships or through his place in the Stein/Toklas household.

However, his attempts to find love in Paris as a gay Vietnamese man in the early 20th century are not going entirely according to plan.

All through this self-reflection, Binh ponders the idea of salt; of how it can mean many different things to different people, such as tears, food, sweat, and even the freedom of the sea.

With eloquence, imagination, and top-quality writing, The Book of Salt is one of the best books on Vietnam identity and culture.

Read The Book of Salt : Amazon | Goodreads

Things We Lost to the Water by Eric Nguyen

A tale of cultural identity and displacement, Things We Lost to the Water is one of the best books about Vietnam refugees and their culture while living abroad.

Vietnamese refugee, Huong, arrives in New Orleans from a Singaporean refugee camp with her sons Tuan and Binh.

She has left behind her husband, Cong, who chose to stay and fight. Though initially, Huong believes the family will be reunited, she comes to realize they will never see Cong again.

Regardless, his memory haunts her and her sons as they grow up. Tuan and Binh struggle to connect with their heritage and a homeland they don’t remember.

The book is told through multiple POVs and spans the time between 1978 to 2005 as the family adjusts to their new lives and grows older.

Read Things We Lost to the Water : Amazon | Goodreads

Travel Across Asia With Even More Reading Lists

We have endless books perfect for travelers headed to and from Asia . Just a few more to enhance your trip or transport you there via armchair:

• Books About Indonesian Culture, History, & Life – Island hop and learn about a country filled with vibrant culture – and plenty of islands.
• Top Sri Lanka Books To Read – Discover both fiction and nonfiction books to teach you more about Sri Lanka’s beauty but also its tumultuous history.
• Best Books On Thailand To Read Before Visiting – From short stories to nonfiction, meet new Thai authors and explore themes of family, overcoming hardship, and toxic masculinity.

What are your favorite books on Vietnam, including its history, culture, war, and more?

What books have taught you more about Vietnam? Are there any more you recommend? Have you traveled to Vietnam? Let us know in the comments!

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Discover Best The Vietnam War Fiction Books: 20 Key Titles, 2024 Updated

Are you a history enthusiast or a fiction lover looking for a gripping read? Dive into the tumultuous era of the Vietnam War with these 20 best books about the Vietnam War fiction. These compelling narratives transport you to the heart of the conflict, offering powerful insights into the human experience amidst the chaos of war. Whether you’re seeking intense battle scenes or poignant personal stories, these books on the Vietnam War fiction are sure to captivate and educate.

• 1 The Sympathizer
• 2 Matterhorn
• 3 The Things They Carried
• 4 Tree of Smoke
• 5 The Sorrow of War
• 6 The 13th Valley
• 7 Going After Cacciato
• 8 A Bright Shining Lie
• 9 Dispatches
• 10 The Lotus Eaters
• 11 The Quiet American
• 12 Fields of Fire
• 13 The Killing Zone: My Life in the Vietnam War
• 14 The Forever War
• 15 The Short-Timers
• 16 Fallen Angels
• 17 The Green Berets
• 18 The Tunnels of Cu Chi
• 19 Chickenhawk
• 20 The Vietnam War: An Intimate History
• 21 Conclusion

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The Sympathizer

By viet thanh nguyen.

The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen is a captivating book about the Vietnam War fiction that follows the story of a communist spy embedded within the South Vietnamese army. The novel explores the complexities of identity and loyalty as the protagonist navigates between two worlds, grappling with the conflicting ideologies of the war. Through a gripping narrative and vivid prose, the book on the Vietnam War fiction delves into the psychological and emotional toll of the war, shedding light on the human experience amidst political turmoil. With its rich historical backdrop and compelling characters, this Vietnam War fiction book offers a thought-provoking and immersive exploration of the war’s impact on individuals and society.

by Karl Marlantes

Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes is a gripping book about the Vietnam War fiction that follows the experiences of a young Marine officer and his comrades as they navigate the brutal realities of war in the jungles of Vietnam. The novel delves into the psychological and physical toll of combat, the complexities of leadership, and the bonds formed between soldiers in the face of unimaginable adversity. Marlantes, a Vietnam War veteran himself, brings a raw authenticity to the story, drawing from his own experiences to vividly portray the harrowing nature of war. With its vivid imagery, compelling characters, and intense action sequences, Matterhorn offers a powerful and immersive portrayal of the Vietnam War fiction book that will leave readers deeply moved and enlightened.

The Things They Carried

By tim o’brien.

The Things They Carried is a powerful book on the Vietnam War fiction by Tim O’Brien. Set during the Vietnam War, it follows a group of soldiers and the emotional and physical burdens they carry. The book explores the impact of war on the human psyche, delving into the complexities of fear, guilt, and the weight of memories. O’Brien’s storytelling is compelling, blurring the lines between truth and fiction, as he reflects on the nature of storytelling itself. Through vivid and poignant prose, the book about the Vietnam War fiction captures the human experience of war, offering a haunting and thought-provoking portrayal of the Vietnam War fiction book that resonates long after the last page.

Tree of Smoke

By denis johnson.

Tree of Smoke is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of the Vietnam War through the lives of its characters. Set in the 1960s and 1970s, the book follows the intertwining stories of American and Vietnamese individuals as they navigate the brutal realities of the conflict. Denis Johnson’s masterful storytelling paints a vivid picture of the chaos and confusion of war, while also exploring the personal struggles and moral dilemmas faced by those caught in its midst. The novel offers a gripping portrayal of the human experience during a tumultuous period in history, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the Vietnam War fiction genre.

The Sorrow of War

By bao ninh.

The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh is a powerful and haunting book about the Vietnam War fiction, that follows the story of a North Vietnamese soldier during and after the conflict. The novel offers a unique perspective on the war, exploring the emotional and psychological toll it took on the soldiers involved. Through beautiful prose and vivid imagery, the author paints a poignant picture of the brutality and devastation of war, as well as the lingering trauma and grief experienced by those who survived. The book about the Vietnam War fiction is a deeply moving and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience in the midst of conflict, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in the Vietnam War fiction genre.

The 13th Valley

By john m. del vecchio.

The 13th Valley by John M. Del Vecchio is a gripping book on the Vietnam War fiction that offers a raw and intense portrayal of the war’s impact on the soldiers who fought in it. Set in the heart of the conflict, the novel follows a group of soldiers as they navigate the challenges and horrors of the battlefield, grappling with the harsh realities of war and the emotional toll it takes on them. Del Vecchio’s vivid and evocative writing brings the book about the Vietnam War fiction to life, immersing readers in the experiences and struggles of the characters as they endure the relentless trials of combat. The Vietnam War fiction book is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human cost of war, offering a poignant look at the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served.

Going After Cacciato

Going After Cacciato by Tim O’Brien is a captivating book about the Vietnam War fiction that follows the story of a young soldier named Paul Berlin who, along with his comrades, embarks on a surreal and adventurous journey to capture a fellow soldier named Cacciato, who has decided to desert the war and make his way to Paris. As they traverse the harsh landscape of Vietnam, the line between reality and imagination becomes blurred, and the soldiers are forced to confront their fears, hopes, and the brutal realities of war. O’Brien’s masterful storytelling weaves together elements of fantasy and reality in this the Vietnam War fiction book, creating a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that explores the complexities of war, friendship, and the human spirit.

A Bright Shining Lie

By neil sheehan.

A Bright Shining Lie by Neil Sheehan is a captivating book about the Vietnam War. The author delves into the life of Lieutenant Colonel John Paul Vann, a complex and enigmatic figure who played a significant role in the conflict. Sheehan’s meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring the war to life, providing a deeply immersive experience for the reader. The book offers a unique perspective on the Vietnam War, shedding light on the personal struggles and moral complexities faced by those involved. With its powerful narrative and rich historical detail, A Bright Shining Lie is a must-read for anyone interested in the Vietnam War fiction genre.

by Michael Herr

Dispatches by Michael Herr is a gripping book on the Vietnam War fiction that takes readers on a visceral journey through the chaos and horror of the conflict. Through vivid and unflinching prose, Herr provides a firsthand account of the war as he experienced it while working as a correspondent in Vietnam. His writing immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the battlefield, offering a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the war’s impact on the soldiers and the Vietnamese people. Herr’s unique perspective and powerful storytelling make this book about the Vietnam War fiction an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the human experience of war. With its intense and haunting narrative, Dispatches is a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War fiction book.

The Lotus Eaters

By tatjana soli.

The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli is a gripping novel set during the Vietnam War, following the experiences of a female photojournalist named Helen Adams. The story delves into the raw and harrowing realities of war, capturing the emotional and psychological impact on those involved. As Helen navigates the chaos of the conflict, she becomes deeply entwined in the lives of the soldiers and civilians, grappling with the moral complexities of her work and the personal sacrifices it demands. The novel paints a vivid and haunting portrait of the Vietnam War, immersing readers in its turbulent landscapes and the profound human connections forged amidst the chaos. Soli’s evocative prose and richly drawn characters make The Lotus Eaters a powerful and unforgettable exploration of the human cost of war.

The Quiet American

By graham greene.

The Quiet American, a novel by Graham Greene, is a captivating book on the Vietnam War fiction that follows the story of a British journalist, Thomas Fowler, and his complex relationship with the enigmatic American, Alden Pyle. Set in 1950s Vietnam, the book about the Vietnam War fiction delves into themes of love, betrayal, and political intrigue as the characters navigate the turmoil of war. Pyle’s idealism clashes with Fowler’s cynicism, leading to a gripping tale of moral ambiguity and personal conflict. The novel offers a poignant portrayal of the vietnam war fiction book, with Greene’s masterful prose and thought-provoking narrative drawing readers into a world of moral dilemmas and political upheaval.

Fields of Fire

By james webb.

Fields of Fire by James Webb is a gripping and intense book about the Vietnam War fiction that follows three young Marines as they navigate the brutal realities of combat in Vietnam. The novel explores the physical and emotional challenges faced by soldiers in the midst of a war that has deeply impacted their lives. Webb’s powerful storytelling and vivid descriptions provide readers with a raw and authentic portrayal of the harsh conditions and moral dilemmas experienced by soldiers on the front lines. Through the deeply human characters and their individual struggles, the Vietnam War fiction book offers a poignant and thought-provoking insight into the personal costs of war and the bonds formed between those who fight together.

The Killing Zone: My Life in the Vietnam War

By frederick downs.

The Killing Zone: My Life in the Vietnam War by Frederick Downs is a gripping book about the Vietnam War fiction that provides a firsthand account of the author’s experiences as a combat soldier. Downs takes readers on a harrowing journey through the brutal realities of war, offering vivid and visceral descriptions of the battleground and the toll it takes on the human spirit. Through his unflinching storytelling, Downs sheds light on the intense physical and emotional challenges faced by soldiers in the the Vietnam War fiction book, as well as the bonds formed between comrades in the face of danger. This powerful memoir offers a compelling and personal insight into the Vietnam War, making it a must-read for anyone interested in military history and the human experience in wartime.

The Forever War

By joe haldeman.

The Forever War by Joe Haldeman is a captivating book about the Vietnam War fiction that follows the story of William Mandella, a soldier sent to fight in an interstellar war against an alien species. As Mandella travels through space, he is faced with the harsh realities of war, including the effects of time dilation and the disconnection from Earth. The book on the Vietnam War fiction explores the psychological and emotional toll of war, as well as the impact of technology on both the soldiers and the society they left behind. Haldeman’s gripping storytelling and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience make the Vietnam War fiction book a must-read for fans of military science fiction and those interested in the complexities of war.

The Short-Timers

By gustav hasford.

The Short-Timers by Gustav Hasford is a gripping novel set during the Vietnam War. The story follows the experiences of a young Marine named Joker, as he endures the harsh realities of combat and the psychological toll it takes on him and his fellow soldiers. Hasford’s vivid and unflinching portrayal of the brutality and absurdity of war has earned the book critical acclaim and a dedicated following. Through Joker’s perspective, readers are immersed in the chaos and confusion of the battlefield, as well as the camaraderie and dark humor that sustains the soldiers. The Short-Timers is a powerful and thought-provoking work of fiction that provides a raw and unfiltered look at the Vietnam War and its impact on those who fought in it.

Fallen Angels

By walter dean myers.

Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers is a compelling book on the Vietnam War fiction that follows the experiences of a young soldier in the midst of the conflict. The protagonist, Richie Perry, grapples with the harsh realities of war as he navigates the complexities of friendship, loss, and the struggle for survival. Myers vividly captures the chaos and brutality of the book about the Vietnam War fiction, immersing readers in the emotional and physical challenges faced by soldiers on the front lines. With its raw and honest portrayal of the Vietnam War fiction book, Fallen Angels offers a poignant exploration of the human cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Green Berets

By robin moore.

The Green Berets by Robin Moore is a gripping book on the Vietnam War fiction that follows the experiences of a group of elite soldiers, the US Army Special Forces. Through the eyes of these Green Berets, the reader gains an insight into the brutal and intense reality of warfare in Vietnam. Moore’s vivid and detailed descriptions bring the harrowing battle scenes to life, while also exploring the personal relationships and struggles of the soldiers. The book about the Vietnam War fiction is a compelling and immersive read, shedding light on the courage and sacrifices made by these brave men during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. The Green Berets is a must-read for anyone interested in the Vietnam War fiction book and the human stories behind the conflict.

The Tunnels of Cu Chi

By tom mangold and john penycate.

The Tunnels of Cu Chi is a gripping non-fiction book about the Vietnam War that delves deep into the intricate network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the Cu Chi district. Written by Tom Mangold and John Penycate, this book provides a fascinating account of the guerrilla warfare tactics employed by the Viet Cong and the harrowing experiences of the American soldiers who fought against them. Through meticulous research and firsthand interviews, the authors paint a vivid picture of the brutal and claustrophobic conditions within the tunnels, as well as the remarkable resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese fighters. The Tunnels of Cu Chi offers a compelling and immersive insight into a lesser-known aspect of the Vietnam War, making it a must-read for anyone interested in this tumultuous period of history.

Chickenhawk

By robert mason.

Chickenhawk is a gripping memoir by Robert Mason, a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. This intense and harrowing account takes readers into the heart of the conflict, providing a firsthand perspective of the war’s brutality and chaos. Mason vividly describes the adrenaline-fueled missions, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the psychological toll of warfare. Through his raw and honest storytelling, readers are immersed in the fear, courage, and moral dilemmas faced by soldiers in the Vietnam War. This book is a compelling and poignant exploration of the human experience in war, offering a powerful and unforgettable glimpse into one of the most devastating conflicts in modern history. If you’re looking for a gripping and insightful book about the Vietnam War fiction, Chickenhawk is a must-read.

The Vietnam War: An Intimate History

By geoffrey c. ward and ken burns.

The Vietnam War: An Intimate History, co-written by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns, offers a comprehensive and deeply personal account of one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. This book on the Vietnam War fiction takes readers on a gripping journey through the conflict, exploring the experiences of soldiers, civilians, and politicians on both sides of the war. Through a combination of powerful storytelling and compelling photographs, the authors provide a nuanced and intimate portrayal of the war, shedding light on its complexities and human toll. The Vietnam War: An Intimate History is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history.

In conclusion, these 20 best books about the Vietnam War fiction offer a diverse and compelling insight into the complexities of the conflict. From gripping narratives to thought-provoking perspectives, these books bring the war to life and shed light on its impact on individuals and society. Whether you’re a history buff or a fiction enthusiast, these books are a must-read for anyone looking to understand the Vietnam War through the lens of fiction.

Which the vietnam war fiction book is best?

The best book on the vietnam war fiction can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:

• The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen ,
• Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes ,
• The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien .

Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.

What are the best books to learn about the vietnam war fiction?

For those looking to learn about the vietnam war fiction, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:

• The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien ,
• Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson ,
• The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh ,
• The 13th Valley by John M. Del Vecchio ,
• Going After Cacciato by Tim O’Brien ,
• A Bright Shining Lie by Neil Sheehan ,
• Dispatches by Michael Herr ,
• The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli

These books offer a range of perspectives on the vietnam war fiction, covering various aspects and approaches to the subject.

What are the best books on the vietnam war fiction?

The best books on the vietnam war fiction include:

• The Quiet American by Graham Greene ,
• Fields of Fire by James Webb ,
• The 13th Valley by John M. Del Vecchio .

Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books on the topic of the vietnam war fiction are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.

What are the best the vietnam war fiction books of all time?

Choosing the best the vietnam war fiction books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but seven titles that are often celebrated include

• The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli ,
• and The Quiet American by Graham Greene .

Each of these books has made a significant impact in the field of the vietnam war fiction and continues to be influential today.

Related posts:

• BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

10 Unforgettable Vietnam War Books

Go beyond Ken Burns' documentary and discover the landmark memoirs and bestselling novels of the Vietnam War.

By 1955, and after decades of resistance to French colonials, Vietnam was partitioned into northern and southern territories. In a fight to reunify their divided country under communist rule, the North Vietnamese rebelled against the anti-communist South—which included their longtime enemies, the French. Soon thereafter, the U.S. joined the war effort, siding with South Vietnam to help stop the spread of communism. This intervention would become one of the most divisive decisions in U.S. history, spawning an anti-war movement that would remain influential long after the war ended in 1975, with the fall of Saigon.

Now that Ken Burns’ PBS documentary has concluded, we’re re-reading the classics of the Vietnam War’s literary canon. From the first-hand accounts of on-site doctors to novels about soldiers on the frontlines, the following ten books describe the tragedies and triumphs endured by the men and women who fought for their country.

By Ronald Glasser, MD

In 1968, Dr. Ronald Glasser arrived at Camp Zuma in the midst of chaos. As one of the few Army camps in Japan, Zuma’s beds were scarce—helping hands, even more so—and Glasser was confronted with the gruesome reality of war: no one, not even the wealthy, was spared from the violence. In his memoir, Glasser relays the stories of the patients he treated, shedding light on not just the physical tolls of war, but of the emotional costs as well.

Goodbye Vietnam

By William Broyles

Before he penned the screenplays for Jarhead and Castaway , a young William Broyles enlisted to serve in the Vietnam War. More than a decade later, he returned to his former battlegrounds and recorded his journey in Goodbye Vietnam . From his encounters with ex-Vietnamese soldiers to interviews with victims of his own violence, Broyles’ memoir is a reminder of how the brotherhood of man can overcome death, bloodshed, and hatred.

We Were Soldiers Once . . . and Young

By Harold G. Moore, Joseph L. Galloway

November, 1965. With just 450 U.S. soldiers at his back, Harold G. Moore led his outnumbered troops against 2,000 Vietnamese. The conflict—known as the Battle of the Ia Drang Valley—would become one of the most brutal battles of the war. In this New York Times bestseller, Lieutenant General Moore describes those 34 days of savage combat through his own recollections and interviews with the people who fought there.  

12, 20 & 5

John A. Parrish was little more than an intern when he arrived at a marine camp in Phu Bai. There, he came face to face with both heroism and evil—proving that man is capable of both. 12, 20, & 5 is his searing account of the horrors he witnessed in Vietnam and how they shaped him into the doctor he is today.

Chickenhawk

By Robert Mason

As a boy, Robert Mason had dreams of flying. As a man, those dreams were fulfilled in the skies over Vietnam, where he served as a helicopter pilot. Chickenhawk spans Mason’s career—from his early training days to his combat missions for the famed First Cavalry Division—as he reflects on the friendships, battles, and wisdom he won and lost to war.

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By Anthony Grey

Throughout the first half of the 20th century, the Vietnamese bucked against their French colonial rulers. Saigon depicts the tensions between these two warring nations, centering on Joseph—an American drawn to the country first by his father, then by duty, then by journalism, and finally by love. The history of Saigon unfolds as Joseph’s story progresses, depicting the capital city in the 1920s through 1975 when its collapse brought an end to the war.

Long Range Patrol

By Dennis Foley

The first in a trilogy, Foley’s novel tells the story of Ranger Lieutenant Jim Hollister, who leads a small band of men into the heart of enemy territory. These men are the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols—an Army unit of volunteers known for their bravery—and Foley writes of their high-risk missions with the knowledge only a Vietnam veteran can have.

By Joe Haldeman

After being wounded in the war, John “Spider” Speidel returns home to a devastating diagnosis and a changed girlfriend. In Spider’s absence, Beverly has not only taken up with another man but now protests the very cause Spider fought for. Through the lens of Spider’s heartbreak and lingering trauma, readers come to understand America as it was in 1968: a nation shaken by a sexual revolution, the Civil Rights Movement, and war.

The Things They Carried

By Tim O'Brien

Author Tim O’Brien was one of the seven members of the Alpha Company, a group he portrays in this New York Times bestseller. Drafted as young men, each of them would endure the hardships of a soldier’s life and carry those memories long after the war ended. At once a moving account of the Vietnam War and a meditation on the power of the human spirit, The Things They Carried has been a classic of American literature since its publication in 1990.

The 13th Valley

By John Del Vecchio

One of the most definitive works on the Vietnam War, The 13th Valley follows a company of paratroopers as they fight against the North Vietnamese. Del Vecchio writes as vividly of the landscape and jungle warfare as he does of the bonds, racial tensions, and doubts amongst the U.S. soldiers. The result is an immersive book that, according the New York Times , is an unparalleled depiction of “the day-to-day pain, discomfort, frustration, and exhilaration of the American military experience in Vietnam.”

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The best vietnam war books, recommended by karl marlantes.

Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War by Karl Marlantes

In 1968 Karl Marlantes was a 22-year old Rhodes scholar and did not have to go to Vietnam. He nonetheless joined the US Marine Corps, ending up with multiple medals but also lifelong PTSD. In this interview, he recommends the best Vietnam War books, exploring its moral ambiguities, the warrior mentality and the humanity of 'the enemy.'

A Rumor of War by Philip Caputo

The Things They Carried by Tim O’ Brien

The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh

Fields of Fire by James Webb

365 Days by Ronald J Glasser

1 A Rumor of War by Philip Caputo

2 the things they carried by tim o’ brien, 3 the sorrow of war by bao ninh, 4 fields of fire by james webb, 5 365 days by ronald j glasser.

Y ou’re recommending books about the Vietnam War. Tell me about the first book on your list, A Rumor of War (1977) .

Moral ambiguity sounds like a euphemism for something. Are you talking about atrocities?

No. I think it’s that there wasn’t the clear-cut good versus evil that you had in the Second World War . It wasn’t clear. We were involved in fighting the North Vietnamese, who weren’t nice! They committed terrible atrocities themselves. And we were involved in supporting a government, the South Vietnamese, and they weren’t nice and, obviously, getting thrown into the situation when it’s like – what really is going on here?

And, quite frankly for my generation, when we were little boys in the 50s we were raised on the knights in shining armour idea – we’re going to go and defeat evil Nazis. Vietnam didn’t have that. That’s what I meant by the ambiguity. There were no white knights on either side any more.

That must have been terribly distressing.

Your next book is a classic of Vietnam War books, The Things They Carried  (1990) by Tim O’Brien. 

I like this book because it was his second book about Vietnam. The first one, Going after Cacciato, was very surreal. It was about a patrol looking for Cacciato who was going to Paris, so they followed him to Paris. I don’t know O’Brien but my feeling was that it was an attempt by an author to try and have some artistic expression of what, at that time in our history, was looking pretty surreal. Apocalypse Now is not about Vietnam. It’s a surreal movie set in Vietnam but it could have been World War I. But when O’Brien wrote The Things They Carried he came down to absolute real brass tacks. It was no longer surreal, it was like here’s a list of what a grunt carries, an infantry soldier…

Right. Because infantry soldiers carry so much weight. That’s where the nickname came from because these people carry from 80-120 lbs on their backs. It’s the same now in Afghanistan and Iraq. There have been enormous technological changes but that infantry soldier on the ground, who actually is the sharp end of the stick, carries a lot of stuff — from pictures of girlfriends to ammunition. The Things They Carried is a series of short stories involving those things, things that bring you to reality.

It can be the most poignant thing about a soldier’s death – a little object that appears to sum them up. 

I think because it snaps you between the two worlds. When you’re in the world of combat it’s a totally different psychic space. I don’t know what else to call it. The first time I lost somebody, one of my guys, I had to go through his pockets to get his personal effects, and in his left breast pocket was a picture of his high school girlfriend. He was just out of high school, of course. And the bullet had gone right through her face. And I just started to tremble… it was so… here’s a high school girl in his pocket with the bullet obliterating her face. It was just so bizarre. And then I had to get an artillery mission organised because they were landing too close to us and quickly you’re back into the… there’s no time to contemplate or mourn. It’s just like: ‘Oh God the shells are coming in…aaaaaargh.’ And you’re back into the other space. That’s why these poignant little bits are so…

The psychic space is interesting. Obviously Vietnam was a long time ago and you’ve written a novel, Matterhorn , now. What do you do with the space for 30 years?

Next on your list of Vietnam War books is one written from the perspective of the Viet Cong. Tell me about The Sorrow of War (1987) , by Bao Ninh.

We’re now at book number 4 of your Vietnam War books. This is Fields of Fire (1978) by James Webb. 

This is a book I like because Webb understands the warrior mentality. I’m not one. I’m a citizen soldier who gets drafted and I’ll do my bit and then I want out. But there are warriors born into the world, and thank God we’ve got them – I’m no pacifist. And the hero of this book, it’s what he wanted to do since he was a child. He’s Scots-Irish and Webb is proud of his heritage and the Marine Corps is filled with these people, disproportionately from the Southern states which is where the Scots-Irish settled. So he explores that aspect of the human psyche – a guy who wants to be a warrior. Then, obviously, as a warrior, he runs into all the issues a warrior runs into and he’s a thinking warrior. Webb is someone who does think, in spite of the fact that he’s a politician (it’s hard for me to swallow that contradiction), and he’s a good writer. A lot of people like to think that we all hate war, and warriors hate war too, but there’s something in them that makes them good at it, that makes them think: ‘I can’t wait for the next one.’ That’s the way they are and you can’t lay a moral judgment.

Is it not addictive as well? Once you’ve been in that psychic space, as you put it, it’s very hard to get out again. 

Well, I’ve read recent stuff about addiction to war, particularly correspondents, and someone actually wrote a review of my book calling it war pornography. I’ve never heard that before but I guess if that makes Tolstoy and Wilfred Owen pornographers then I’m in good company. I think addiction to war gets bandied around. I think you can get addicted to adrenaline and work that out in many ways. One of the ways you get addicted to adrenaline is to be in combat and I myself know a great many Marine friends in civilian life who do extremely dangerous snow- and ice-climbing, surfing, sky-diving. I don’t think any of them want to go back into combat. I’m sure, though, that there are people, a few, who learn to like it, but my guess is that they are damaged. Psychotic people like to kill people and we’re not talking about normal people any more.

No, I suppose not, but when you’ve experienced the very extremes of life — including the bonding with the people around you and the loss of them — then the mundanity of most people’s lives can be difficult to cope with. 

Absolutely. I often think about kids I knew who were 19 – they were squad leaders, they were making life-and-death decisions and having unbelievable experiences. Then they come back and they get a job making hamburgers? It’s going to be crazy-making. It’s probably why we need so much more help moving combat veterans back into the civilian space again. We don’t do a good job with that. It’s not just PTSD, it’s also this existential lack of meaning. You’re a 19-year-old and you realise that if you don’t show up and get your job done then the machine gun you are supposed to be taking out will kill a lot of the other guys in the company, people you love. You are extraordinarily important and life has meaning, in the sense that your success and failure is life and death. You don’t show up for work at McDonald’s, who cares?

People you love. These extreme situations are so passionate that even the positive feelings are so much greater than you would get in ordinary life. 

The final book on your list of books about the Vietnam War is 365 Days . 

This was a book I read before I went to Vietnam and it was written by an army doctor who wasn’t even there. I think he was in Japan. But what he did was he interviewed the people he was treating and it was one of the great examples of breaking through the statistics. An army doctor can say: ‘I treated 33 head wounds, did 14 amputations… boom, boom, boom, boom.’

“I wake up every day and I think about death, dying, things I did every day. It doesn’t go away.”

But if you talk to one of the 14 amputation cases and realise this is a real human being, with a real story about how he got there, it gives you this perspective. The next time you read the paper and it says, ‘We took light casualties’, you can take the next step and think: ‘I wonder who they were, I wonder what happened to them, I wonder if they kept their leg or they didn’t.’ So I was already in the reserve when I read this but it was like: ‘Oh my God, this is real stuff.’ It’s just an army doctor showing the human side of the word ‘casualties’.

Were you injured yourself?

Yes. I got two Purple Hearts. One was an easy one and one was a tough one – I ended up on a hospital ship, from a hand grenade.

So, tell me more about your book, Matterhorn.

Well, where do I start? It was a book I just had to keep working on because of this need to be understood. I always used to grate at words like ‘casualties’ and ‘the enemy’ and the ability of us to abstract away from those we’re talking about. You hear people talking about Marines and the image is of these grizzled 35-year-olds, but the reality in Vietnam and mostly today too is that they are 19. They’re not grizzled, not close. They’re competent and well-trained but they’re kids and what they’re interested in is girlfriends and fast cars and drinking and that’s who they are. They have to grow up and assume enormous responsibilities at an age when, quite frankly, most people are not prepared for that. So how do they manage that? I wanted to write a novel that meant that, when someone who’s read it sees in a newspaper that the Marines have landed, they’ll go: ‘I know who that is. Not the ones in the movies. The ones in Matterhorn. That’s who’s doing the job.’ The book is about combat. It’s very focused. I don’t get into the politics of the war. I don’t talk about anything that these characters wouldn’t think or talk about – getting the job done, racism, class issues, unfairness. People have said about my book: ‘He doesn’t talk about the suffering of the Vietnamese.’ But my characters wouldn’t have thought of it. They just didn’t.

Have you found it cathartic or are you mourning the loss of it now the book is out?

That’s a funny question. I was telling someone the other night: ‘I lived with this book for 35 years.’ It’s like living with your wife for that long and you agree that it’s time, it’s over, but then you see her with another guy it’s like – waaaaaah!

But do you feel as if you’re supposed to have finished thinking about Vietnam?

No. I’m happy it’s done. I’m done with that. What I remember from Vietnam has little to do with the novel. I wake up every day and I think about death, dying, things I did every day. It doesn’t go away. You don’t talk about it. It flits through your mind while you’re doing your daily work. Luckily for me I’ve had lots of help with PTSD and I’ve got medicine and it just sort of comes in one side and goes out the other side. There it was, there it went. But you go on with your life and it will be with me until the day I die.

August 16, 2010

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Karl Marlantes

Vietnam veteran Karl Marlantes was a Rhodes Scholar and Yale graduate. He served as a Marine in Vietnam and was awarded two Purple Hearts, the Navy Cross, the Bronze Star, two navy commendation medals for valour and ten air medals. In 1977 he began writing his novel about his experience of combat in the jungle. The book, Matterhorn , ended up taking Marlantes 30 years to write.

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• From All Perspectives The Best...

From All Perspectives: The Best Books About The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War has scarred, transformed and inspired countless writers and art practitioners. While the list of books about this conflict includes hundreds of enlightening works, we pick ten of the best texts offering illuminating perspectives on the war, its context and the effects it had on Vietnam .

The Vietnam Reader: The Definitive Collection of Fiction and Nonfiction on the War (1998) by Stewart O’Nan

Diving into a book about the Vietnam War can be a daunting task. With so many choices out there. It is difficult to commit to one without dwelling on what the others could have offered. Stewart O’Nan’s The Vietnam Reader is perfect for the indecisive as it highlights the best texts from an American perspective, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, film, still photos and song lyrics. Using a mixture of excerpts from the works themselves and also O’Nan’s thoughts and analysis. The Vietnam Reader represents an excellent introduction to a web of viewpoints on one of the world’s most controversial wars.

Although holding a similar title, Michael H. Hunt’s A Vietnam War Reader is a very different text to O’Nan’s. Perhaps more targeted at the scholarly minded, this book collects official documents and private letters from a sea of sources: US soldiers, Communist leaders, Saigon Loyalists, Vietnamese peasants and even Nixon himself. It paints a complicated narrative that is both enlightening and captivating. Although academic in tone, this book is far from dry. Its focus on the ‘facts’ that both sides claimed provides a fascinating insight to the miscommunication of the conflict.

Dispatches (1977) by Michael Herr

Critically acclaimed since its release in 1977, Dispatches was one of the first books which offered an insider’s account of the Vietnam War to the general public. Michael Herr was a war correspondent for Esquire between 1967 and 1969. His coverage of the war in Dispatches was ground-breaking for its presented a type of journalism that traded monotonous details for visceral descriptions. Revealing the scarring effects of war on the soldiers, the landscape of the country, some have described the book’s style as ‘dreamlike’, ‘poetic’ and ‘illuminating’. Dispatches not only changed the world’s view of the war but also what non-fiction reportage should be.

The Sorrow of War: A Novel of North Vietnam (1990) by Bao Ninh

Another revolutionary telling of the Vietnam War, Bao Ninh’s The Sorrow of War is reported to have been written against the Communist Party’s wishes. The novel explores the war from the perspective of a former North Vietnamese soldier, Kien, and is a non-linear telling of how the conflict transformed himself, his country and those around him. The novel presents warfare from a non-heroic perspective, removing all romantic connotations of war, and is renowned for its harsh descriptions of all aspects of the Vietnam War. The Sorrow of War has gained international acclaim for its brutal honesty and has won numerous awards both in Vietnam and around the world.

Vietnam: The Ten Thousand Day War (1981) by Michael MacLear

Looking at the wider picture, Michael MacLear’s Vietnam: The Ten Thousand Day War investigates both Indochina wars from 1945 to 1975. Praised for providing a clear context to both conflicts, their developments and the key figures involved, MacLear highlights the sometimes forgotten Vietnamese perspective that saw two wars blend into one, as the Americans replaced the French as the enemy in many native’s eyes. The Ten Thousand Day War is a compelling read that offers further insight into a complex situation.

The Things They Carried (1990) by Tim O’Brien

Critically acclaimed for its presentation of the war and its physical and psychological effects, Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried is a series of non-linear short stories that focus on a platoon of American soldiers. Blending fact and fiction, O’Brien uses his own experience of the war as a drafted solder and even includes similar characters that appeared in his earlier autobiography If I Die in a Combat Zone, Box Me Up and Ship Me Home . Despite this, the book remains a piece of metafiction, highlighting its power to cross the borders of fiction and non-fiction, which it does exquisitely.

The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir (2008) by Kao Kalia Yang

Looking at the war from a different perspective, Kao Kalia Yang’s The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir is about Yang’s family and their struggles through the war and its aftermath. Suffering persecution and massacres for their collaboration with America during the conflict, the Hmong people are often overlooked in the effects of the war. Yang’s memoir tells her family’s story as they escaped the war-ridden jungles of Laos and travelled first to Thailand and then to the United States. Passionate and powerful, The Latehomecomer is a tale that highlights the universal pain of immigration, one of leaving home and adapting to new worlds.

Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War (2009) byKarl Marlantes

Taking 30 years to write and drawing on his own experiences as a marine in Vietnam, Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam Wa r was written by Karl Marlantes follows the men of Bravo Company, Fifth Marine Division, and paints a dark picture of war. The first side focuses on the boredom and meaningless nature of war, full of hiking, building outposts and repetition. The other side is one of violence, which is described in visceral and horrifying detail, but also in a deeply affecting style. Internationally acclaimed, Matterhorn has won numerous awards and stands as a universal yet distinctly poignant depiction of war.

The Girl in the Picture: The Story of Kim Phuc, the Photograph, and the Vietnam War (2001) by Denise Chong

Denise Chong’s The Girl in the Picture focuses on a person who millions of people have seen but only few know the name of: Kim Phuc, the girl who was severely burnt by napalm and captured on film in the iconic image of the Vietnam War. This haunting image was one of the pivotal photos that changed mass opinion of the Vietnam War in the West, and Phuc’s story is equally moving. Described as inspirational, captivating and yet powerfully illuminative of the destructive nature of war, Chong focuses on how this photo came to be, and what happened to Phuc and Vietnam after the war.

A Rumor of War (1999) by Philip Caputo

Described by the New York Times Book Review as “the troubled conscience of America speaking passionately, truthfully, finally”, Philip Caputo’s A Rumor of War is a brutal depiction of the war from Caputo’s own perspective as a Lieutenant in the US army. Powerful and heartbreaking, the personal viewpoint the book forces the reader to contemplate what they would have done in the horrific circumstances, adding moving insight to war and the actions of soldiers. A Rumor of War provides a raw look back on the war, giving a voice to the men who experienced it first-hand. By Andrew Kingsford-Smith

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The Best Vietnam War Audiobooks, Fiction and Nonfiction

History is often complicated, biased, or missing key information, especially when it comes to war. Arm yourself with comprehensive knowledge of the conflict with our selection of titles detailing the Vietnam War.

The Vietnam War, also known as the Second Indochina War, was a long, costly, and divisive conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia that endured from November 1, 1955, to April 30, 1975. This was a war that saw the Communist government of North Vietnam fighting against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States. During the Vietnam War, more than three million people were killed, including 58,000 Americans. More than half of those casualties were Vietnamese civilians, including children. Ultimately, the war ended in 1975 when Communist forces seized control of South Vietnam and established the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. 

The effects of the Vietnam War were devastating, and the war itself was extremely controversial. In the United States, sentiments about the war created fierce divisions. As the war continued, more and more citizens began to question our country's involvement. By 1970, only a third of the US population believed that our troops should have been sent to Vietnam. The high-profile oppositions to the war lead to mass protests, not only in the United States but around the globe.

Over the past four decades, many people have written about the Vietnam War in an effort to make sense of the raging debates, the staggering death and destruction, and the lingering trauma. Here are some of the most notable audiobooks about this complex and problematic war, from fiction to nonfiction, personal stories to histories.

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Best Historical Fiction Vietnam War Audiobooks

The mountains sing.

The Mountains Sing tells a multigenerational story of the Trần family against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. The saga starts with Trần Diệu Lan, a woman who was forced to flee her family farm with her six children when the Communist government began to rise in the North. The family is further torn apart by the war, and as members head off on the Hồ Chí Minh Trail to fight, Trần Diệu Lan's granddaughter Hương comes of age in Hà Nội. This sweeping novel depicts the heartbreak of war from the perspective of one family utterly destroyed by it.

The Sympathizer

The Sympathizer is a beautifully crafted, Pulitzer Prize-winning debut novel from author Viet Thanh Nguyen. In April 1975, Saigon is in chaos. And while the general of the South Vietnamese army and his compatriots are planning to start a new life in Los Angeles, they are unaware that their every word is being observed and reported back to the Viet Cong. This novel unfolds a gripping tale of high-stakes espionage, while capturing the tumultuous political climate in Vietnam at the end of the war.

The Things They Carried

When you think Vietnam War fiction, The Things They Carried is likely the first book that comes to mind. In this exclusive audiobook version of Tim O'Brien's enduring classic, the stories of American soldiers in the Vietnam war are narrated by three-time Emmy Award winner Bryan Cranston. This audiobook also includes an exclusive recording, “The Vietnam in Me," in which O'Brien himself recounts his trip back to Vietnam in 1994.

Best Historical Vietnam War Audiobooks

We were soldiers once... and young.

We Were Soldiers Once... And Young is an intense look at one of the most savage and significant battles of the Vietnam War: the Ia Drang campaign in 1965. For this book, General Harold G. Moore and Joseph L. Galloway interviewed hundreds of soldiers who fought in Ia Drang Valley, including the North Vietnamese commanders. The result of their research and interviews is a crushingly vivid depiction of what those days were like on the ground during the fighting.

What led the United States to intervene in the war in Vietnam? And why were the decisions the US government made in regards to the war so controversial? In Vietnam: A History, American journalist and historian Stanley Karnow looks at the realities behind America's war in Vietnam. Karnow argues that America's leaders entered into the fray without having a clear understanding of the situation in Vietnam. As a result, many individuals needlessly suffered and died. For this comprehensive history, Karnow draws from secret documents and exclusive interviews with hundreds of participants on both sides of the war.

Fire in the Lake

Fire in the Lake is a thoughtful history of not just the war in Vietnam but of the entire country. American journalist Frances FitzGerald offers a compassionate look at Vietnam, drawing from years of research and travels. Taking listeners back to the traditional ancestor-worshipping villages of Vietnam's past, the audiobook traces the conflicts caused by Communism, the religious upheavals, the years of French colonialism, America's ill-fated intervention in the war, and much more. Originally published in 1972, Fire in the Lake was the first history of Vietnam written by an American, and this listen continues to stand out for highlighting all the ways Americans misunderstood Vietnam during its years at war.

The Vietnam War

It's been 40 years since the Vietnam War ended, and still its horrors continue to haunt the United States. The war divided our country and fueled large debates about US intervention in foreign conflicts, arguments that exist to this day. This listen draws on interviews from people involved at all levels of the Vietnam War on both sides to provide a thoroughly researched and nuanced look at the chaos and intensity of the war. While a font of information on its own, The Vietnam War: An Intimate History is the companion audiobook to the major multipart PBS documentary that aired in September 2017 and is well worth checking out.

Best Vietnam War Memoir Audiobooks

When heaven and earth changed places.

This brutally honest memoir is a look at the Vietnam War from the perspective of a civilian in Vietnam who experienced the effects of the war firsthand. Le Ly Hayslip was only 12 years old when US helicopters landed in her village. She was sexually assaulted by the Viet Cong and imprisoned and tortured by the South Vietnamese. Eventually, she fled to the United States to escape the horrors of the war, and it wasn't until 1986 that she was reunited with her Vietnamese family. In this memoir, Hayslip tells the story of her return to Vietnam while reflecting on the terrors of her past.

The Sorrow of War

Originally published against the wishes of the Vietnamese government, The Sorrow of War has since become a best seller and gained critical acclaim. It is an honest, searing memoir of the Vietnam War from the perspective of a former Vietnam soldier, Bao Ninh. This is Ninh's story about how the war not only changed his life but the lives of everyone he knew and the fate of his country.

A Rumor of War

A Rumor of War is a deeply personal account of the experiences of one American soldier—a platoon commander in the first combat unit sent to Danang—fighting in the trenches of the Vietnam War. But on a more universal level, Philip Caputo's memoir offers an unflinching view of the atrocities committed in Vietnam by ordinary men all in the name of survival and also speaks to the horrors of war in general.

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23 Best Vietnam War Books of All Time

Our goal : Find the best Vietnam War books according to the internet (not just one random person's opinion).

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

• Best Vietnam War Books

The Things They Carried

Tim O'Brien

A Rumor of War

The classic vietnam memoir.

Philip Caputo

Fields of Fire

The Sorrow of War

A novel of north vietnam.

Michael Herr

A Bright Shining Lie

John paul vann and america in vietnam.

Neil Sheehan

The Best and the Brightest

David Halberstam

A Novel of the Vietnam War

Karl Marlantes

We Were Soldiers Once . . . and Young

Ia drang—the battle that changed the war in vietnam.

Harold G. Moore

The Girl in the Picture

The story of kim phuc, the photograph, and the vietnam war.

Denise Chong

If I Die in a Combat Zone

Box me up and ship me home.

Black Veterans of the Vietnam War

Wallace Terry

In Pharaoh's Army

Memories of the lost war.

Tobias Wolff

Dog Soldiers

Robert Stone

Fire in the Lake

The vietnamese and the americans in vietnam.

Frances Fitzgerald

Home Before Morning

The story of an army nurse in vietnam.

Lynda Van Devanter

When Heaven and Earth Changed Places

Le Ly Hayslip

Close Quarters

Larry Heinemann

The Short-Timers

Gustav Hasford

Larry Brown

The Vietnam Reader

The definitive collection of fiction and nonfiction on the war.

Stewart O'Nan

Patches of Fire

A story of war and redemption.

Albert French

Street Without Joy

Indochina at war, 1946-54.

Bernard B Fall

• The Best Vietnam War Books - Five Books Expert Recommendations fivebooks.com
• 9 Fascinating Vietnam War Books explorethearchive.com
• From All Perspectives: The Best Books About The Vietnam War theculturetrip.com
• Best vietnam war books pennbookcenter.com
• The Top 30 Vietnam War Books to Read This Winter www.historynet.com

How was this Vietnam War books list created?

We searched for 'best Vietnam War books', found the top 5 articles, took every book mentioned in 2+ articles, and averaged their rankings.

How many Vietnam War books are in this list?

There are 23 books in this list.

Why did you create this Vietnam War books list?

We wanted to gather the most accurate list of Vietnam War books on the internet.

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The best new science fiction books of May 2024

A new Stephen King short story collection, an Ursula K. Le Guin reissue and a celebration of cyberpunk featuring writing from Philip K. Dick and Cory Doctorow are among the new science fiction titles published this month

By Alison Flood

A new short story collection from Stephen King, You Like It Darker, is out in May

Shane Leonard

Every month, I trawl through publishers’ catalogues so I can tell you about the new science fiction being released. And every month, I’m disappointed to see so much more fantasy on publishers’ lists than sci-fi. I know it’s a response to the huge boom in readers of what’s been dubbed “ romantasy ”, and I’m not knocking it – I love that sort of book too. But it would be great to see more good, hard, mind-expanding sci-fi in the offing as well.

In the meantime, there is definitely enough for us sci-fi fans to sink our teeth into this month, whether it’s a reissue of classic writing from Ursula K. Le Guin, some new speculative short stories from Stephen King or murder in space from Victor Manibo and S. A. Barnes.

Last month, I tipped Douglas Preston’s Extinction and Sofia Samatar’s The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain as books I was looking forward to. I can report that they were both excellent: Extinction was a lot of good, clean, Jurassic Park -tinged fun, while Samatar’s offering was a beautiful and thought-provoking look at life on a generation ship.

The Language of the Night: Essays on writing, science fiction, and fantasy by Ursula K. Le Guin

There are few sci-fi and fantasy writers more brilliant (and revered) than Ursula K. Le Guin. This reissue of her first full-length collection of essays features a new introduction from Hugo and Nebula award-winner Ken Liu and covers the writing of The Left Hand of Darkness and A Wizard of Earthsea , as well as her advocacy for sci-fi and fantasy as legitimate literary mediums. I’ve read some of these essays but not all, and I won’t be missing this collection.

Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen

This isn’t science fiction, not quite, but it is one of the best and most important books I have read for some time. It sees Jacobsen lay out, minute by minute, what would happen if an intercontinental ballistic missile hit Washington DC. How would the US react? What, exactly, happens if deterrence fails? Jacobsen has spoken to dozens of military experts to put together what her publisher calls a “non-fiction thriller”, and what I call the scariest book I have possibly ever read (and I’m a Stephen King fan; see below). We’re currently reading it at the New Scientist Book Club, and you can sign up to join us here .

Read an extract from Nuclear War: A scenario by Annie Jacobsen

In this terrifying extract from Annie Jacobsen’s Nuclear War: A Scenario, the author lays out what would happen in the first seconds after a nuclear missile hits the Pentagon

The Big Book of Cyberpunk (Vol 1 & 2)

Forty years ago, William Gibson published Neuromancer . Since then, it has entranced millions of readers right from its unforgettable opening line: “The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel…”. Neuromancer gave us the literary genre that is cyberpunk, and we can now welcome a huge, two-volume anthology celebrating cyberpunk’s best stories, by writers from Cory Doctorow to Justina Robson, and from Samuel R. Delaney to Philip K. Dick. I have both glorious-sounding volumes, brought together by anthologist Jared Shurin, on my desk (using up most of the space on it), and I am looking forward to dipping in.

You Like It Darker by Stephen King

You could categorise Stephen King as a horror writer. I see him as an expert chronicler of the dark side of small-town America, and from The Tommyknockers and its aliens to Under the Dome with its literally divisive trope, he frequently slides into sci-fi. Even the horror at the heart of It is some sort of cosmic hideousness. He is one of my favourite writers, and You Like It Darker is a new collection of short stories that moves from “the folds in reality where anything can happen” to a “psychic flash” that upends dozens of lives. There’s a sequel to Cujo , and a look at “corners of the universe best left unexplored”. I’ve read the first story so far, and I can confirm there is plenty for us sci-fi fans here.

Enlightenment by Sarah Perry

Not sci-fi, but fiction about science – and from one of the UK’s most exciting writers (if you haven’t read The Essex Serpent yet, you’re in for a treat). This time, Perry tells the story of Thomas Hart, a columnist on the Essex Chronicle who becomes a passionate amateur astronomer as the comet Hale-Bopp approaches in 1997. Our sci-fi columnist Emily Wilson is reviewing it for New Scientist ’s 11 May issue, and she has given it a vigorous thumbs up (“a beautiful, compassionate and memorable book,” she writes in a sneak preview just for you guys).

Ghost Station by S.A. Barnes

Dr Ophelia Bray is a psychologist and expert in the study of Eckhart-Reiser syndrome, a fictional condition that affects space travellers in terrible ways. She’s sent to help a small crew whose colleague recently died, but as they begin life on an abandoned planet, she realises that her charges are hiding something. And then the pilot is murdered… Horror in space? Mysterious planets? I’m up for that.

In Hey, Zoey, the protagonist finds an animatronic sex doll hidden in her garage

Shutterstock / FOTOGRIN

Hey, Zoey by Sarah Crossan

Hot on the heels of Sierra Greer’s story about a sex robot wondering what it means to be human in Annie Bot , the acclaimed young adult and children’s author Sarah Crossan has ventured into similar territory. In Hey, Zoey , Dolores finds an animatronic sex doll hidden in her garage and assumes it belongs to her husband David. She takes no action – but then Dolores and Zoey begin to talk, and Dolores’s life changes.

How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler

Davi has tried to take down the Dark Lord before, rallying humanity and making the final charge – as you do. But the time loop she is stuck in always defeats her, and she loses the battle in the end. This time around, Davi decides that the best thing to do is to become the Dark Lord herself. You could argue that this is fantasy, but it has a time loop, so I’m going to count it as sci-fi. It sounds fun and lighthearted: quotes from early readers are along the lines of “A darkly comic delight”, and we could all use a bit of that these days.

Escape Velocity by Victor Manibo

It’s 2089, and there’s an old murder hanging over the clientele of Space Habitat Altaire, a luxury space hotel, while an “unforeseen threat” is also brewing in the service corridors. A thriller in space? Sounds excellent – and I’m keen to see if Manibo makes use of the latest research into the angle at which blood might travel following violence in space, as reported on by our New Scientist humour columnist Marc Abrahams recently.

The best new science fiction books of March 2024

With a new Adrian Tchaikovsky, Mars-set romance from Natasha Pulley and a high-concept thriller from Stuart Turton due to hit shelves, there is plenty of great new science fiction to be reading in March

In Our Stars by Jack Campbell

Part of the Doomed Earth series, this follows Lieutenant Selene Genji, who has been genetically engineered with partly alien DNA and has “one last chance to save the Earth from destruction”. Beautifully retro cover for this space adventure – not to judge a book in this way, of course…

The Downloaded by Robert J. Sawyer

Two sets of people have had their minds uploaded into a quantum computer in the Ontario of 2059. Astronauts preparing for the world’s first interstellar voyage form one group; the other contains convicted murderers, sentenced to a virtual-reality prison. Naturally, disaster strikes, and, yup, they must work together to save Earth from destruction. Originally released as an Audible Original with Brendan Fraser as lead narrator, this is the first print edition of the Hugo and Nebula award-winning Sawyer’s 26 th novel.

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin

Just in case you still haven’t read it, Justin Cronin’s gloriously dreamy novel The Ferryman , set on an apparently utopian island where things aren’t quite as they seem, is out in paperback this month. It was the first pick for the New Scientist Book Club, and it is a mind-bending, dreamy stunner of a read. Go try it – and sign up for the Book Club in the meantime!

• science fiction /

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Former Rutgers professor among 2024 Pulitzer Prize winners

A former professor at Rutgers University-Newark won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction on Monday.

Jayne Anne Phillips’ “Night Watch,” is a novel set in West Virginia’s Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in the aftermath of the Civil War. It tells the story of a wounded Union veteran, a 12-year-old girl and her abused mother.

Phillips joined the faculty of Rutgers University–Newark in 2005, as the founding director of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, according to the university. She had previously served as a writer in residence at Brandeis University for a decade and taught as an adjunct instructor at a number of other schools, as well as in multiple prestigious workshops and conferences.

In 2015, she was named to the highest academic rank at Rutgers: Board of Governors Professor, the school said.

She remained at the school until January 2020.

John Keene, who is the university’s Chair of the Department of Africana Studies and Distinguished Professor praised Phillips on Monday.

“From her early experimental stories to her enthralling novels our former colleague Jayne Anne Phillips has long demonstrated her immense and distinctive gifts as a fiction writer, and  Night Watch,  her 2023 novel set in post-Civil War West Virginia, places her artistry on full display,” Keene said. “The Pulitzer Prize in Fiction committee made a superb choice, both in honoring this novel and in acknowledging Jayne Anne’s importance to American literary art. Congratulations, Jayne Anne!”

A native of West Virginia, Phillips earned her B.A. at West Virginia University and her M.F.A. at the University of Iowa. Even before she had completed her M.F.A., Phillips had published her first short-story collection, “Sweethearts ,” which earned a Pushcart Prize and the Coordinating Council of Literary Magazines Fels Award.

The Pulitzers honor the best in journalism and in arts categories focused on books, music and theater.

Nathan Thrall’s “A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy” won for general nonfiction, and Jacqueline Jones received the history prize for “No Right to an Honest Living: The Struggles of Boston’s Black Workers in the Civil War Era.”

Two winners were announced Monday in the biography category: Jonathan Eig for his Martin Luther King biography “King” and Ilyon Woo’s “Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom.” Cristina Rivera Garza’s investigation into the murder of her sister, “Liliana’s Invincible Summer,” won for memoir-autobiography, while Brandon Som’s “Tripas” received the poetry prize.

Tyshawn Sorey’s saxophone concerto “Adagio (For Wadada Leo Smith)” was the winner for music.

This article contains material from the Associate Press.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at [email protected] .

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