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40 pages 1 hour read

Pharaoh’s Army: Memories of the Lost War

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1994

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Book Brief

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Tobias Wolff

In Pharaoh's Army

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1994
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Vietnam • 1960s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

4.3

3,874 ratings

79%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.3

3,874 ratings

79%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Vietnam • 1960s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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