A RUMOR OF WAR

by Philip Caputo
A RUMOR OF WAR cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 8129
  • Added: 2025-12-20
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9780712664455
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 1999-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In March 1965, Marine Lieutenant Philip J. Caputo arrived in Danang with the first ground combat unit sent to Vietnam. Over the next sixteen months, he witnessed the brutal realities of war, returning home emotionally devastated and disillusioned. A decade later, Caputo penned A Rumor of War, a raw and unflinching memoir that captured the essence of war and its profound impact on those who fight it. /n/n The book is far more than a personal account; it is a powerful critique of the Vietnam War and the societal indifference that allowed it to persist. Caputo's vivid and honest portrayal of his experiences has made A Rumor of War a classic in the literature of war, standing alongside timeless works like All Quiet on the Western Front and The Naked and the Dead.

Reviews
746 Books · 2018-04-20
moving 4.50

The memoir is described as a moving and timely read, offering a powerful and cautionary tale that resonates with contemporary issues. It is praised for its ability to capture the moral ambiguities and difficulties faced by a young Marine officer.

The reviewer describes the memoir as a moving and timely read, noting its relevance to contemporary issues. They praise the memoir's ability to capture the moral ambiguities and difficulties faced by a young Marine officer during the Vietnam War. The reviewer also highlights the memoir's powerful and cautionary nature, making it a significant and resonant work of literature. They note that the memoir is a profound and moving account that deserves its classic status.

Quick quotes

    A Rumor of War is a moving read and a timely one given the times we are currently living in.

    It is a powerful, cautionary tale that deserves its place ...

    The book, indeed, has been highly acclaimed, but less for its compelling narrative than for the moral Caputo draws concerning responsibility in ...

The Times · 2017-08-06
gritty 4.00

The memoir is described as grittier than other accounts, causing a sensation upon its release and becoming an instant classic. It is praised for its outspoken nature and its ability to capture the essence of the Vietnam War.

The reviewer describes the memoir as grittier than other accounts of the Vietnam War, noting that it caused a sensation upon its release and became an instant classic. They praise the outspoken nature of the narrative and its ability to capture the essence of the war. The reviewer also highlights the memoir's timeless appeal and its significance as a classic of war literature. They note that the memoir is a powerful and moving account that resonates with readers.

Quick quotes

    Grittier than Dispatches, this outspoken Vietnam War memoir caused a sensation in 1977 and became an instant classic.

    It is a powerful, cautionary tale that deserves its place ...

    The book, indeed, has been highly acclaimed, but less for its compelling narrative than for the moral Caputo draws concerning responsibility in ...

The Times · 2017-08-06
gritty 4.00

This outspoken memoir is grittier than other accounts and caused a sensation upon its release. It remains a classic of war literature.

This memoir is a raw and unfiltered account of the Vietnam War, offering a grittier perspective than other well-known memoirs. The author's outspoken narrative caused a sensation when it was first published and has since become a classic in war literature. The memoir's honesty and depth make it a compelling read, providing a unique insight into the experiences of a young officer in Vietnam. The author's writing is both powerful and evocative, making it a standout in the genre of war memoirs. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the personal stories behind the historical events.

Quick quotes

    Grittier than Dispatches, this outspoken Vietnam War memoir caused a sensation in 1977 and became an instant classic.

    The memoir's honesty and depth make it a compelling read.

    The author's writing is both powerful and evocative, making it a standout in the genre of war memoirs.

The New York Times · 1977-05-29
profound 4.50

The memoir is a powerful narrative of a young officer's transformation during the Vietnam War, highlighting the moral complexities and the noble cause of the crusade. It is a true story that resonates with the timeless themes of war and its impact on individuals.

The reviewer highlights the memoir as a profound and moving account of a young officer's experiences during the Vietnam War. They emphasize the moral ambiguities and the noble cause that the officer embarks upon, making it a timeless tale that resonates with readers. The narrative is praised for its depth and the way it captures the essence of war and its impact on individuals. The reviewer also notes that the memoir is a powerful and cautionary tale, deserving of its classic status.

Quick quotes

    A Rumor of War is thus the true story of the transformation of one of the knights of Camelot, whose crusade was Vietnam and whose cause could only be noble and ...

    It is a powerful, cautionary tale that deserves its place ...

    The book, indeed, has been highly acclaimed, but less for its compelling narrative than for the moral Caputo draws concerning responsibility in ...

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