Would give it 4.5 stars if it were available.
DeMille has an uncanny ability to put you in the shoes of his characters better than most. Thankfully, nothing can ever truly accomplish this; I would most certainly not want to be in the shoes of the men and women who sacrificed their lives in Vietnam. And when I say, sacrificed their lives, I don't just mean those who physically lost their lives but those who's lives were shattered by the lifelong nightmares they had/have to face after being subjected to the horrors of the Vietnam conflict(s). Heart wrenchingly vivid descriptions of some of the horrors that took place in Vietnam almost made me outwardly weep for those doing the killing and those being killed. It's an odd sensation to feel sorry for and somewhat understand a person who slaughters completely innocent people. However, DeMille does such an excellent job at delving into the psyche of the battle fatigued (PTSD) soldier that you can almost appreciate the insanity being experienced and the sometimes horrendous outcome of this insanity. I wouldn't wish the experiences of Vietnam on my worst enemy.
I had a love-hate feeling for the main character (Ben Tyson) throughout this novel; until the end. Then it became just love.
My deepest respect goes to Nelson DeMille; for allowing me to feel the deepest respect for those who were killed by (or in), faced with, and likely live with Vietnam throughout their remaining days.