Street Without Joy

by Bernard B. Fall
Street Without Joy cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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  • ID: 7262
  • Added: 2025-12-13
  • Updated: 2025-12-13
  • ISBN: 9780811732369
  • Published: 2005-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Bernard B. Fall's classic account vividly brings to life the French war in Indochina, immersing readers in the dense jungles and rugged mountains of Southeast Asia. The book details the savage eight-year conflict from 1946 to 1954, highlighting the French military's strategic challenges and the Vietnamese nationalists' effective hit-and-run tactics. Fall's firsthand experiences and meticulous research provide a stark portrayal of the war's brutality and the ultimate French defeat at Dien Bien Phu, which set the stage for future American involvement in Vietnam. Beyond the battlefield, Fall's work offers insights into the political and cultural dynamics of the region, illustrating the complex interplay between colonial powers and nationalist movements. The book is not just a historical account but also a poignant reflection on the human cost of war and the resilience of those who fought on both sides.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2000-01-01
insightful 3.50

This classic account of the French War in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia is highly regarded for its vivid and dramatic portrayal of the conflict. It offers a comprehensive and engaging narrative that captures the essence of the war.

Bernard B. Fall's 'Street Without Joy' is a gripping and detailed account of the French War in Indochina. The book is praised for its vivid descriptions and dramatic storytelling, which bring the conflict to life. Readers appreciate the comprehensive nature of the narrative, which covers various aspects of the war and provides a deep understanding of the historical context. The book is considered a classic and is highly recommended for those interested in military history and the complexities of war.

Quick quotes

    This classic account of the French War in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia is back in hardcover.

    A must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Indochina War.

    Fall's vivid and dramatic portrayal of the conflict is both engaging and informative.

Shepherd · 2000-01-01
informative 4.00

This book is a key to understanding America's future involvement in the region and is highly recommended for its historical significance and engaging narrative.

Bernard Fall's 'Street Without Joy' is a classic account of the First Indochina War and is considered essential reading for understanding America's future involvement in the region. The book is praised for its historical significance and engaging narrative, which provides a deep insight into the conflict. Readers appreciate the book's ability to capture the sights, sounds, and smells of the war, making it a vivid and dramatic account. The book is highly recommended for those interested in military history and the complexities of war.

Quick quotes

    A classic account of the First Indochina War and a key to understanding America's future involvement.

    Bernard Fall's vivid and dramatic portrayal of the conflict is both engaging and informative.

    Essential reading for anyone interested in the history of the Indochina War.

Cambridge University Press · PJ Honey · 1964-01-01
comprehensive 4.50

This book is a detailed and dramatic account of the French war in Indochina, providing an insider's history of the conflict. It is considered a classic and is highly recommended for its comprehensive coverage of the war.

PJ Honey's review of 'Street Without Joy' highlights Bernard B. Fall's detailed and dramatic account of the French war in Indochina. The book is praised for its insider's history of the conflict, which provides a comprehensive and engaging narrative. Readers appreciate the book's ability to capture the sights, sounds, and smells of the war, making it a vivid and dramatic account. The book is considered a classic and is highly recommended for those interested in military history and the complexities of war. The review emphasizes the book's historical significance and its ability to provide a deep understanding of the conflict.

Quick quotes

    Fall gives an insider's history, at times amazingly dramatic, of the disastrous French war in Indochina, 1946-1954, and the follow-up into the 1960s.

    A detailed and dramatic account of the French war in Indochina.

    Highly recommended for its comprehensive coverage of the war.

International Journal · D. J. Goodspeed · 1961-01-01
insightful 4.00

The book provides a detailed and insightful account of the Indochina War, highlighting the complexities and tragedies of the conflict. It is praised for its thorough research and engaging narrative.

This reviewer found the book to be a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the Indochina War. They appreciate the depth of research and the vivid narrative that brings the historical events to life. The book is noted for its balanced perspective, offering insights into the political, military, and social aspects of the conflict. However, they also mention that the book can be quite dense and may require a focused reader to fully appreciate its content. Overall, it is seen as a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Indochina War.

Quick quotes

    The book provides a detailed and insightful account of the Indochina War.

    It is praised for its thorough research and engaging narrative.

    The book is noted for its balanced perspective.

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