57 pages • 1 hour read
352
Novel • Fiction
Vietnam • 1960s
1978
Adult
18+ years
680L
Going After Cacciato by Tim O'Brien explores the Vietnam War through the experiences of Paul Berlin, who is part of a squad sent to retrieve a fellow soldier, Cacciato, who is attempting to walk to Paris. The novel intertwines three narrative threads: realistic war experiences, Paul's contemplations during night watches, and an imaginative pursuit of Cacciato across an international landscape. The book addresses sensitive themes such as war trauma, violence, and death.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Contemplative
Challenging
Emotional
14,857 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Going After Cacciato by Tim O'Brien masterfully blends reality and fantasy in a Vietnam War narrative. Reviews praise its innovative structure and deep character exploration, though some find the switching between real and surreal disorienting. Overall, it's acclaimed for its powerful storytelling and poignant examination of war's impact on soldiers.
Readers who appreciate Tim O'Brien's Going After Cacciato will enjoy its blend of surrealism and gritty reality, much like Joseph Heller's Catch-22 or Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five. Fans of war literature that explores the psychological impact of combat and the nature of courage and confusion will find it compelling.
14,857 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
352
Novel • Fiction
Vietnam • 1960s
1978
Adult
18+ years
680L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.