The Two-Sentences-and-One-Word Review of Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War

Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War by Karl Marlantes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stories about the Vietnam War invariably seem to fall into (1) an indictment of the war, or (2) an indictment of the war as told through bizarre characters and events (I'm looking at you, Deer Hunter and Apocalypse Now), and they somehow lose the humanity of individuals in either case.

By contrast, Matterhorn spares none of the horrors, questioning of purposes, political underpinnings, and comments on institutional versus non-institutional military service, while also managing the compelling achievement of bringing the wrenching experience of war overall - not just in Vietnam - down to the stories of well-developed and compassionate and relatable men.

Harrowing.

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