40 pages • 1 hour read
Pharaoh’s Army: Memories of the Lost War
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
240
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Vietnam • 1960s
1994
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Pharaoh's Army by Tobias Wolff is a memoir divided into three parts, detailing his time before, during, and after the Vietnam War. Wolff discusses his motivations for joining the military, his experiences in the relatively quiet Delta leading up to the Tet Offensive, and the chaotic events following it. The narrative covers his struggles with authority, cultural interactions, and a difficult return to civilian life, ending with his matriculation at Oxford. The book addresses themes of war, trauma, and complex human relationships.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Emotional
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
3,874 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Tobias Wolff's In Pharaoh's Army receives acclaim for its compelling narrative and poignant reflections on the Vietnam War, revealing the intricacies of wartime experiences with authenticity. Critics commend Wolff's prose and storytelling but note occasional shifts in tone that may disrupt flow. Overall, it provides an insightful, humanizing glimpse into a soldier's life and struggles.
Who Should Read In Pharaoh's Army?
Readers who enjoy autobiographical war literature with deep personal reflection, akin to The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, will appreciate Tobias Wolff’s In Pharaoh’s Army. This memoir’s nuanced portrayal of the Vietnam War appeals to those interested in intimate, gritty, and honest narratives about military life and its aftermath.
3,874 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
240
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Vietnam • 1960s
1994
Adult
18+ years
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.