Matterhorn in Around the World in 80 Books

Jan 02, 2012 Katie rated it really liked it

Reading this book was a bit of a leap of faith for me. I'm generally not attracted to war novels at all, but I couldn't ignore all the praise lavished on this book in 2011. I decided to take the plunge after reading positive Goodreads reviews by folks with similar proclivities to me.

It was a good decision. This was an excellent book that was more about people and a time period than against an impossible enemy that pervades the book. I feel like the most valuable thing I gained from reading Matte ...more

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Nov 06, 2012 Marcia rated it it was amazing

Powerful, engrossing, painful. Difficult reading because the events are so painful and graphic. Despite all we heard during the war, those of us at home cannot possibly appreciate what our troops experienced. This novel certainly painted a picture that shows the true price we pay for war in terms of human sacrifice. It is ironic that I finished this book close to Veteran's Day. As I watch the parade to honor vets tomorrow, there will certainly be tears in my eyes and thanks in my heart for these ...more

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Dec 15, 2010 Mary rated it it was amazing

Matterhorn is a small rise where the author's battalion was housed for a short while during the VietNam war. Marlantes writes so personally that one feels as though they are in VietNam: the humidity relentless, one's body like an enemy because of its filth and odor, the feeling of wanting to kill someone for political reasons and for advancement. I learned so much about the war but more of the everyday feelings of one who was actually there fighting. ...more

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