Dispatches

by Michael Herr
Dispatches cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Investigative Journalism
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  • ID: 7252
  • Added: 2025-12-13
  • Updated: 2025-12-13
  • ISBN: 9781447275077
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2014-12-15
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Michael Herr's Dispatches is a revolutionary work of new journalism that delves into the harrowing experiences of soldiers in Vietnam. Published in 1977, it offers an unflinching account of the war's madness and brutality, providing a stark and honest portrayal that has forever changed our perspective on the conflict. The book's impact is evident in its influence on popular culture, inspiring Stanley Kubrick's classic film Full Metal Jacket. Herr's vivid and haunting narrative captures the seductive yet devastating impact of war on a generation of young men, making it a seminal work in war journalism. Dispatches is not just a chronicle of events but a deeply personal and visceral exploration of the Vietnam War. Herr's unique style and unvarnished honesty set this book apart, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the human experience of war. The book's enduring relevance and its ability to evoke the raw emotions of the conflict make it a timeless piece of literature.

Reviews
Will Heron · Will Heron · 2023-06-28
harrowing 4.50

The book provides a raw and unsettling look into the Vietnam War, capturing the madness and dark humor of the soldiers. It's a powerful account that stays with the reader long after finishing.

Will Heron dives into the chaotic and harrowing experiences of the Vietnam War through the lens of Michael Herr's 'Dispatches'. The book doesn't just focus on the battles but on the men who fought them and the journalists who covered them. It's a raw, unfiltered look at the war, filled with dark humor and a sense of madness that permeates every page. Heron highlights how the book captures the essence of the war in a way that few other works have managed. It's a testament to the human experience in the midst of conflict, making it a must-read for those interested in war narratives.

Quick quotes

    It's a jarring dive through the foxholes and madness of Vietnam.

    The dark insanity of it all, the laughing, stoned, thousand-yard stares and 'crazy' humour of ...

    The book provides a raw and unsettling look into the Vietnam War.

The Guardian · 2016-03-28
definitive 4.75

Michael Herr's memoir is a definitive account of war, with a compelling sense of urgency and a unique voice. It's a powerful and unforgettable read that captures the essence of the Vietnam War.

The Guardian highlights 'Dispatches' as a standout memoir that offers a definitive account of the Vietnam War. The book's compelling sense of urgency and unique voice make it a powerful and unforgettable read. The reviewer notes how Herr's firsthand experiences bring a raw and authentic perspective to the war, making it a must-read for anyone interested in war narratives. The book's ability to capture the chaos and humanity of war sets it apart from other accounts, making it a timeless piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    A compelling sense of urgency and a unique voice make Michael Herr's Vietnam memoir the definitive account of war in our time.

    It's a powerful and unforgettable read that captures the essence of the Vietnam War.

    The book's ability to capture the chaos and humanity of war sets it apart from other accounts.

Scott Whitmore's Blog · Scott Whitmore · 2013-07-21
insightful 4.00

The narrative focuses on the men who fought the war and the journalists who covered it, rather than the battles themselves. It's a unique perspective that offers a deep insight into the human experience of war.

Scott Whitmore explores the unique narrative style of 'Dispatches', which focuses on the personal experiences of the soldiers and journalists in Vietnam. This approach sets it apart from traditional war accounts that often center on battles and strategy. Whitmore appreciates how the book delves into the psychology and emotions of those involved, providing a more intimate and humanizing portrayal of war. The book's non-fiction novel style allows for a compelling and immersive read that stays true to the raw and chaotic nature of the Vietnam War.

Quick quotes

    Considered a non-fiction novel, the narrative focuses not on battles, or even the war, but on the men who fought it and those who covered it as journalists.

    It's a unique perspective that offers a deep insight into the human experience of war.

    The book's non-fiction novel style allows for a compelling and immersive read.

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