GOING AFTER CACCIATO

by Tim O’Brien
GOING AFTER CACCIATO cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 8138
  • Added: 2025-12-20
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780767904421
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 1999-09-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Tim O'Brien's Going After Cacciato is a captivating exploration of the Vietnam War that transcends the typical war novel. It weaves a tale of a young soldier who abandons his post to embark on a fantastical journey, blending the horrors of war with dreamlike sequences. The novel delves into the psychological landscape of its characters, revealing the inner battles of fear and heroism that resonate with all of us. /n/nWinner of the 1979 National Book Award, Going After Cacciato is celebrated for its unique narrative style and profound exploration of the human condition. O'Brien's masterful storytelling captures the essence of a war that was as surreal as it was brutal, offering readers a profound and unforgettable experience.

Reviews
Karissa Reads Books · Karissa · 2015-12-04
masterful 4.75

O'Brien masterfully portrays the experience of soldiers in Vietnam without comment or exaggeration.

Karissa found 'Going After Cacciato' to be a masterful portrayal of the soldier's experience in Vietnam. The book is praised for its unflinching and unadorned depiction of war, which allows readers to draw their own conclusions. Karissa appreciates the book's ability to immerse readers in the psychological and emotional landscape of war without resorting to sensationalism or exaggeration.

Quick quotes

    O'Brien masterfully points us in the right direction.

    We are shown – without comment or exaggeration – the experience of soldiers in Vietnam.

    The book is a fascinating read, creatively written, and it kept me on my toes throughout.

Diary of an Eccentric · 2014-12-18
engrossing 4.50

The novel is a unique and captivating exploration of war, blending horror and dark humor. The narrative style is both surreal and deeply engaging.

This reviewer found 'Going After Cacciato' to be one of the most unique war novels they've ever read. The book masterfully captures the absurdity and brutality of war through a blend of horror and hallucinatory comedy. The narrative style is both surreal and deeply engaging, making it a compelling read. The reviewer appreciates how the story reflects the realities of war in a way that is both believable and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Going After Cacciato is one of the most unique war novels I've ever read.

    Tim O'Brien captures the peculiar blend of horror and hallucinatory comedy that marked this strangest of wars.

    The narrative style is both surreal and deeply engaging.

Darwin Book Cats · 2011-07-22
thought-provoking 4.00

The book is a surreal reflection on the realities of war, written in a way that is believable and engrossing.

This reviewer highlights the surreal nature of 'Going After Cacciato', noting how it effectively captures the dream-like and often horrifying experiences of soldiers in Vietnam. The writing style is praised for its ability to make the surreal feel believable and deeply engaging. The reviewer appreciates the book's capacity to immerse readers in the psychological and emotional landscape of war.

Quick quotes

    It is a surreal reflection on the realities of war and the dream of leaving it.

    Written in a way that is believable and engrossing.

    The book has the capacity to re-wire the filters of a reader.

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