Lost Soldiers [Hardcover]

I first became a James Webb fan with "Fields of Fire". I am not of his generation but I knew instantly that I was hooked on this writer as I finished that book and was left with a real sense of loss. His vivid details of the war and the culture of Viet Nam captured me and left me with a desire to learn more.

He has again captured me with "Lost Soldiers" as I felt like I have picked up 40 years later with the Viet Namese culture, with out missing a beat. My urge to learn was more than satisfied. I felt as though I was in Viet Nam with Brandon Condley. I felt the sadness and loneliness of the limited life of his cyclo driver, Dzung. The political manuverings of all the chess pieces (characters) was riveting and you know that all this was written with a great deal of accuracy. The plot is fresh and the insight into the history and culture of Viet Nam made Condley leap off the pages as he introduces you to unforgettable characters. How can you not feel for Condley and his sense of love for Viet Nam? I could vividly see Van, Colonel Pham's daughter. A beautiful women who can taste her freedom but is torn by her deep sense of love for her culture and heritage. A product of her past and Viet Nam's present. Colonel Pham is a well written character who's past combined with his current activities had me craving to know more of the inner workings of the government.

As a side note, the good humor of Condley's sidekick, Professor Muir, is classic Webb. This war hero sprinkles humor in all of his books (something I have always wanted to see more of) and does not dissappoint you here. Muir is a classic, a wonderful break from the tension that Webb creates in this powerful, beautifully written novel.

Highly recommend, has all the earmarks of a "National Best Seller" - Enjoy the read!

Author James Webb has captured the contradictory soul of that beautiful, tragic country, the conflict between an archaic communist system and the true character of the people, between a system which doesn't work and a people who never stop working.

His descriptions rival those of Conrad and, because they are fresher, are better than those of Graham Greene. In fact, he has written the book which explains Vietnam and the fascination it holds for those of us who fought there. He tells an adventure story which is a story of the soul.

Former Marine Brandon Conley is the protagonist. In a word, Conley reflects what Webb is really like, at least in my humble opinion as one who has met him. I merely mention this as I think this is an important point to consider. Webb is fluent in Vietnamese, just like the character (alter-ego) Conley, he is steeped in the culture of the Vietnamese, and he does indeed offer prayers for deceased former enemies as in the book. In short, he is a complex character.

The understanding of Vietnamese culture is what comes out in the book. Yes the plot takes a back seat, but must we be so picky? Many of the incidents in the book actually took place during Webb's numerous visits to Vietnam. For instance, the North Vietnam driver really did turn to him when the officer left and speak pidgeon English to him, praising America. Webb thought it so great that he wrote that incident into the book. And Webb truly seems struck, as in the book when he offers a proper prayer in front of the family for their deceased family members. Webb describes in meticulous detail how the photos are arranged. The different generations, as exhibited by Colonel Pham and his daughter Van, who wants freedom and modernity, is what is truly happening in Vietnam

Also of interest are the descriptions of the former ARVN soldiers and the social discrimination directed against them. As a form of punishment, no former ARVN soldier is allowed to rise above menial labor. They are all placed in a ghetto in Saigon (or Ho Chi Minh City) so they can be watched. Webb shows their plight through an incident that exposes their inability to afford proper health care as well as a proper burial. They are constantly humiliated and reminded that they and their progeny will never rise any further.

Webb also wove his book around the myth of Salt and Pepper. These two, one white and one black, supposedly went to the other side during the war. Their sightings were, to me, like sightings of Elvis and Sasquatsch. I really don't know if they existed, but I certainly heard about them while I was in Vietnam. Most soldiers telling me this actually believed all the stories circulating.

What Webb did was put the Salt and Pepper story into the context of the deserters who simply went to live in Saigon, making a living supposedly selling drugs. This was no lie, as there were estimated to be about 500 such souls at the end of the war. Since they took their weapons with them, the MP's became involved in firefights when they got too close. What became of them is anybody's guess (a great fictional plot device, like in the book).

Going back to Vietnam is a very tricky subject and can evoke a strong reaction from many Vietnam veterans. We all know of the beauty of Vietnam, but Webb know first-hand the ugly side of Vietnam and describes it well. I did not think this book warrented 5 stars, but would have given it 4 and a half if I could.