From Booklist
Heinemann, a Vietnam vet, is the author of Paco's Story 1987), the National
Book Award-winning novel about a returning vet. His latest work, a memoir,
describes his return visit to Vietnam, hosted by the Vietnam Writers'
Association in 1992. In some ways, it's old news: the bickering, a la
Norman Mailer, with other writers; the jazzed-up prose reminiscent of
Michael Herr's Dispatches; and the generalized, almost ritual anger.
More usefully, Heinemann might have waxed acidic on what lessons from
Vietnam the U.S. has brought forward, or forgotten, in Iraq. In any
case, once he calms down, Heinemann proves to be an observant, even
amusing, essayist. For instance, there is his delightful sojourn in
Hanoi, where he explains the economy, meets with General Giap, and tries
to eat dog. Having thus engaged the reader, Heinemann explores Vietnam
right down its middle on an ancient, French-built train, which chugs
slowly toward the author's old area of operation, Tay Ninh. Hulking
in the distance, as it was in the 1960s, is the topographical oddity
of Black Virgin Mountain--a Buddhist holy place that becomes holy for
Heinemann, too, and brings some peace to his middle-aged soul. This
pilgrimage makes for some fine, perceptive writing. It's travel writing,
really, but with the depth of a Jan Morris or Paul Theroux. Read Heinemann's
memoir along with the Lonely
Planet Vietnam guide, and plan a trip to one of the few places,
irony of ironies, where the locals like Americans. John Mort
© American Library Association.
|
E-mail: