38 pages • 1 hour read
A Rumor of War
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Book Brief
354
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Vietnam • 1960s
•
US History•
World History1977
Picador
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In his 1977 memoir, A Rumor of War, Philip Caputo recounts his experience as a Marine lieutenant in Vietnam, detailing his journey from an idealistic young man to a disillusioned soldier haunted by the brutal realities of war and the psychological toll it takes on combatants. This memoir includes intense depictions of violence, death, and moral conflict experienced by soldiers.
Dark
Gritty
Mysterious
Challenging
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
18,233 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Philip Caputo's A Rumor of War is widely praised for its unflinching depiction of the Vietnam War, reflecting the author's personal experiences with raw honesty. Readers appreciate its vivid storytelling and emotional depth. However, some criticize its graphic content and perceived bias. Overall, it is regarded as a powerful, albeit controversial, memoir.
Who Should Read A Rumor of War?
Fans of A Rumor of War by Philip Caputo typically appreciate vivid, personal war narratives and reflective memoirs. Comparable to readers of Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried or Michael Herr's Dispatches, they seek poignant explorations of the Vietnam War, deeply human experiences, and the psychological impacts of combat.
18,233 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sergeant Campbell
Sergeant Campbell
A profane and seasoned platoon sergeant during Caputo's initial deployment, known for his reluctance to follow Caputo's orders and his role in teaching junior officers the realities of leadership.
Captain Peterson
Captain Peterson
The commanding officer Caputo reports to upon arriving in Vietnam, noted for his calm and reasonable demeanor, teaching Caputo the practical aspects of warfare and emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct.
Colonel Bain
Colonel Bain
Caputo's first commanding officer in Vietnam, admired for his leadership and willingness to risk his life to save Marines, representing the ideal qualities of a Marine officer.
General Karsch
General Karsch
Viewed unfavorably by front line soldiers, he is seen as a political careerist disconnected from the realities on the ground and focused solely on achieving favorable body counts for policy success.
Captain Neal
Captain Neal
Caputo's last commanding officer in the field, known for his by-the-book rigidity and unpopular surprise inspections and drills, which strain relations with his men.
A Rumor of War was first published in 1977 and is often regarded as one of the first memoirs to give a detailed account of a soldier's experience during the Vietnam War, offering a personal perspective that sparked conversations about the complexities and realities of the war.
The book was adapted into a miniseries in 1980, starring Brad Davis and marking one of the early attempts to dramatize a Vietnam War memoir for television, reflecting the growing interest in Vietnam War narratives in the late 20th century.
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Philip Caputo's memoir is frequently studied in college courses on literature and history, as it provides an authentic, first-hand account of the Vietnam War, enriching discussions on personal impact versus historical events.
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354
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Vietnam • 1960s
•
US History•
World History1977
Picador
Adult
18+ years
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