MATTERHORN

by Karl Marlantes
MATTERHORN cover
Good Books rating 4.75
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
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  • ID: 8141
  • Added: 2025-12-20
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • Published: 2009-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Matterhorn follows Lieutenant Waino Mellas and his Marines as they navigate the treacherous mountain jungle of Vietnam. The novel delves into the harsh realities of war, exploring themes of manhood, racial tension, and the complexities of military hierarchy. The characters are as much at odds with each other as they are with the external enemies, creating a tense and gripping narrative./n/nThe book is notable for its gritty realism and unflinching portrayal of the Vietnam War. It's a story that doesn't shy away from the brutalities and moral ambiguities of combat, offering a profound look at the human condition under extreme pressure.

Reviews
Dead Reckoning · 2019-01-24
excellent 5.00

Matterhorn is hailed as the best novel to come out of the Vietnam War, with some going so far as to call it the greatest piece of war fiction ever written. It is a must-read for anyone interested in war literature.

The reviewer strongly recommends Matterhorn, calling it the best novel to come out of the Vietnam War. They go so far as to suggest it might be the greatest piece of war fiction ever written, highlighting its exceptional quality and impact. The reviewer notes that the novel's detailed and realistic portrayal of the war makes it a must-read for anyone interested in war literature. They appreciate the novel's ability to capture the essence of the Vietnam War and its impact on those who fought in it.

Quick quotes

    The best novel to come out of the Vietnam War

    The greatest piece of war fiction ever written

    A must-read for anyone interested in war literature

The Guardian · Xan Brooks · 2010-07-10
brilliant 4.50

Marlantes's 35-year journey to complete this novel has resulted in a powerful and authentic portrayal of the Vietnam War. The novel's depth and detail make it a standout in war literature.

The reviewer highlights the immense effort and time Marlantes took to complete this novel, which adds to its authenticity and depth. They praise the novel for its unflinching portrayal of the Vietnam War, noting that it stands out among other war literature. The reviewer also mentions that the novel's characters and their experiences are vividly brought to life, making it a compelling read. They appreciate the detailed and realistic depiction of the war, which adds to the novel's impact.

Quick quotes

    A true novel of the Vietnam war

    Marlantes's 35-year struggle to write a true novel of the Vietnam war has finally paid off

    A bestseller that captures the essence of the Vietnam War

The New York Times · Sebastian Junger · 2010-04-01
great 4.75

The novel is a raw and brilliant account of war that serves as a final exorcism for one of the most painful passages in American history. It is a powerful and moving portrayal of the Vietnam War.

The reviewer describes the novel as a raw and brilliant account of war, noting that it may serve as a final exorcism for one of the most painful passages in American history. They praise the novel for its powerful and moving portrayal of the Vietnam War, highlighting its ability to capture the essence of the war and its impact on those who fought in it. The reviewer also mentions that the novel's characters and their experiences are vividly brought to life, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    A raw, brilliant account of war

    May well serve as a final exorcism for one of the most painful passages in American history

    A powerful and moving portrayal of the Vietnam War

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