Questions About Matterhorn

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Answered Questions (2)

I was drawn to the book by seeing Karl Marlantes on The Vietnam War by Ken Burns. In the series, he said his motivation for enlisting was driven by a sense of guilt for letting others fight in his place (he was studying at Oxford at the time). I have to ask - Why was this book written as historical fiction? It seems like Marlantes' real story was more intriguing than what he presented in the book. Just my $0.02!

Jennifer Perhaps Marlantes did not want to "out" the people who were burdened with making so many bad decisions and putting so many soldiers in harm's way. Usi…morePerhaps Marlantes did not want to "out" the people who were burdened with making so many bad decisions and putting so many soldiers in harm's way. Using the cover of fiction, Marlantes could tell a story that was close to the horrible truth without hurting the people (and their families) who were running the show.(less)

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Why did you call it Matterhorn?

Erik Bresnahan Why did I call it Matterhorn? It is the name of the novel. If you mean, "Why is the novel called 'Matterhorn'?" It is because the name refers to one o…moreWhy did I call it Matterhorn? It is the name of the novel. If you mean, "Why is the novel called 'Matterhorn'?" It is because the name refers to one of the mountains in Vietnam that has been renamed by the US Military. The protagonist discusses how the mountains are named, or, rather, renamed, after mountains in the Alps. This illustrates the arrogance of the Anglo-Americans and how they see the need to Christianize what they see as a savage landscape. This type of thinking that was shared at the higher echelons played a role in the U.S. ultimately losing the war.(less)

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Unanswered Questions (1)

I know, marines walk on water, yet they need potable water and rations to function up and down mountains, valleys, thru impenetrable vegetation to dig and redig holes, LZs and all manor of bases. To the author, you lost me when Bravo Co. did all that and more on zero rations and no H2O for days on end, HOW was that possible believable and why?

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