Tim O'Brien

Historical Fiction 1990 | 233 pages

Wow.  I can't believe it took me this many years to get around to reading this book. The Things They Carried is a powerful book written by a Vietnam Vet, Tim O'Brien.  He mixes true stories with fictionalized stories and speaks directly to his readers a few times.

The things they carried included, of course, new testaments and pictures of girlfriends back home, but also grandpa's hatchet, comic books, statuettes of the Smiling Buddha, ghosts, expectations of their parents, fear, anger, joy, excitement, a starlight scope, moccasins, a pebble.

They also carried weapons, ammunition, grenades, C-Rations, knives, and flashlights. Depending upon their jobs, they might carry morphine and bandages, or a satellite radio, or code books.

We learn about many of the platoon members ... who they are, and, in some cases, how they died.  We learn about what veterans carry after they leave Vietnam forever, including guilt and sorrow. And lifelong friendships.  This is a short read, but not an easy read.  It took me just a day to read it.  Having recently read The Women, it gives me yet another perspective on the atrocious war in Vietnam.

The chapter "On the Rainy River" must be one of the best pieces of writing I have ever read.

This book will move you and not easily be forgotten.  Yes, it should be read by all of us.

April 2025