Vietnam Nurse: Mending & Remembering

by Lou Eisenbrandt

Combining narrative and poetry, photos and documents, Lou Eisenbrandt's Vietnam Nurse tells the compelling story of how a Midwestern woman, born with a little wanderlust and a lot of courage, found herself serving as a nurse in Vietnam during some of the most dangerous and damaging stretches of the war in the late 1960s and early 1970s. During her service, Eisenbrandt encounters life-changing stories, most notably her own, as she writes in one of her poems, that spark "Songs of love and loss, of sweat drenched nights and blood smeared days." Since the war and through her many return journeys to Vietnam, Eisenbrandt shows us her deepening commitment to service, widening search for truth, and enduring creation of a life that matters.

—Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg 2009-13 Kansas Poet Laureate

Genres: Nonfiction, History, War, Memoir

162 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 26, 2015

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

My experience with this book has to include the presentation I saw Lou give at one of our library branches in 2017. I bought a copy of her book and this is what she wrote inside along with her autograph:

To Darla, Let us never forget that women served! Peace, Lou (June, 2017)

Since I had just heard her talk about her experiences and viewed her fascinating slide show, I went home and put the book on my TBR pile. It sat there much longer than it should have. Now it is January, 2021, and my library system (Mid-Continent Public Library) is sponsoring a Winter Reading Challenge and celebrating the upcoming Missouri state bicentennial. What better title to read as part of the program, than Lou's book? The cover is spot on. Young Lou was a bit naive about what was ahead, but she was ready to take it all on. Her Midwestern grit and optimism shine through in her story. Her book is like having a conversation with Lou which is part diary, part poetry, and part scrapbook. I highly recommend it!

[Mid-Continent Public Library]

My experience with this book has to include the presentation I saw Lou give at one of our library branches in 2017. I bought a copy of her book and this is what she wrote inside along with her autograph:

To Darla, Let us never forget that women served! Peace, Lou (June, 2017)

Since I had just heard her talk about her experiences and viewed her fascinating slide show, I went home and put the book on my TBR pile. It sat there much longer than it should have. Now it is January, 2021, and my library system (Mid-Continent Public Library) is sponsoring a Winter Reading Challenge and celebrating the upcoming Missouri state bicentennial. What better title to read as part of the program, than Lou's book? The cover is spot on. Young Lou was a bit naive about what was ahead, but she was ready to take it all on. Her Midwestern grit and optimism shine through in her story. Her book is like having a conversation with Lou which is part diary, part poetry, and part scrapbook. I highly recommend it!

[Mrs. Hassig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know Lou personally and have had the privilege of having her in my library 3 times now! I first met her in 2001! She is a strong woman with confidence and the ability to make even 8th graders listen to her amazing stories about her time in Vietnam. Her book is a quick read and one that my middle school students would enjoy and get a lot out of. I will be book talking it next week to my 7th graders! I'm so glad you came home Lou! Thank you for your service!

[Yvonne Doll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic biography about a strong woman who endured many challenges in a combat zone called Vietnam. The photos enhanced my understanding and her speech at the Leavenworth, KS VA on 23 Mar 2016 was tremendous. I recommend this for all military or people who want to have a unique insight into the Vietnam experience in 1969-1970.

[Liralen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick little read about being a nurse in the Vietnam War. Eisenbrandt describes a fair bit of naïveté in her decision to join the army—joining during the war and then it being something of a revelation to realise that she'd be likely to go to Vietnam. But go to Vietnam she did. For Eisenbrandt, as with Douglas Moore, it seems to have been an experience largely without regrets. I'd have liked some more story, though—there are very few fleshed-out scenes here.

[Ann Halligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Lou recently on a cruise. The tenacity, dedication, humor she wrote about in her Vietnam journey comes through in conversation with her. Thank you for your service as a nurse in Vietnam, and your service now to the Parkinson organization. To quote Lou, "just keep moving" - a mantra we can all adopt.

[Max N Burdick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remembering Vietnam

As a male nurse I was there too in 67-68. This book brought back feelings of what it was like to be in Vietnam. A very good read.

[Danielle Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressive

I enjoyed reading about Lou's experience in Vietnam. However, I would have liked more detail. As this was a story of highlights. Overall a good read.

[Judy Buchman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was interesting as I was in high school & college during the Vietnam War.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading it!! I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Lou and hearing her speak at my school. She is an absolutely incredible individual!

[Carrie Viser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had the privilege of meeting Lou Eisenbrandt and hearing some of her story firsthand!

[Michelle Hannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard Lou Eisenbrandt read at an event honoring Veterans’ Voices and was touched by her reading so I purchased her book. It’s a memoir of how she became a nurse in Vietnam during the war, her time served there and her return trips to the country later in life. I found this well-written story about a life well-lived moving and inspiring. Sometimes when I read a memoir, it feels like it was written for the writer’s family. In this case, I felt like this memoir was written for the writer’s country, especially its women. I’m glad I read it. It gave me a new appreciation for Lou Eisenbrandt and the women like her that served in Vietnam.

[Elise White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a magnificent autobiographical book describing a year in the life of Lou Eisenbrandt as a nurse during the Vietnam War. She is very succinct and factual with her depiction. It is both fascinating and uplifting. Lou lives in Overland Park and spoke to Curt's high school students. It is a very effective and gripping way to learn a slice of history.

[Christina Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read in one sitting! Thank you for your service!

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read

I can't criticize someone else's memories but this read more like a long synopsis than an actual remembrance.
I was left wanting more.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story!

[Military Writers Society of America (MWSA)]

MWSA Review

A young woman trains as a nurse and goes to Nam to find her personal and professional way!

To satisfy wanderlust, Eisenbrandt chooses a nursing vocation to finish high school and the Army to “see the world” and develop her skills. Not the norm for a young woman to go to the war zone, this VIETNAM NURSE shares her field hospital lifestyle that year in 1970. The author narrative describes the routines and incoming patients, recreation on the China Sea, and the limited social outlets and available relationships.

After her tour, Lou Eisenbrandt reflects on four return trips to Vietnam after the war ended and as she aged, with her varying feelings and impressions. Not the normal war story, this book relates to the impact of war on a young woman and her ongoing relative success to travel and mend as much as anyone may with a scarred war background.

MWSA Reviewer: Hodge Wood