Fields of Fire: A Novel
344
Novel • Fiction
Vietnam • 1960s
1978
Adult
18+ years
Fields of Fire: A Novel by James Webb follows three main characters—Snake, Hodges, and Senator—through their harrowing experiences as Marines during the Vietnam War, exploring themes of loyalty, bravery, and the profound personal impact of battle. The novel delves into the daily struggles and camaraderie of soldiers amidst intense combat in the An Hoa Basin. The narrative offers a stark portrayal of the physical and emotional toll taken on these young men. Descriptions of war violence and its aftermath may be distressing to some readers.
Gritty
Emotional
Melancholic
Dark
Challenging
James Webb's novel, Fields of Fire, has been praised for its gripping and authentic portrayal of the Vietnam War, drawing from Webb's own experiences to deliver a powerful narrative. Critics highlight its vivid characters and emotional depth, though some find its pacing uneven. Despite minor flaws, the novel stands out for its raw realism and impactful storytelling.
A reader who would enjoy James Webb’s Fields of Fire: A Novel is likely interested in gripping, realistic depictions of the Vietnam War. Fans of Tim O'Brien’s The Things They Carried or Karl Marlantes’ Matterhorn will appreciate Webb’s intense narrative, character depth, and exploration of the psychological impacts of combat.
Fields of Fire was published in 1978 and is acclaimed as one of the best novels about the Vietnam War, drawing heavily from James Webb's personal experience as a Marine in Vietnam.
The novel's author, James Webb, later served as the United States Secretary of the Navy and a U.S. Senator from Virginia, showcasing a diverse career that spans military, writing, and politics.
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Fields of Fire has been praised not only for its vivid and realistic depiction of combat but also for its nuanced portrayal of the psychological effects of war on soldiers.
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344
Novel • Fiction
Vietnam • 1960s
1978
Adult
18+ years
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