Customer Reviews

Border of Lilies and Maples

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I enjoyed this book very much. It is a story about a young college graduate during the period of the Vietnam War who has to struggle with a decision of serving in a war he doesn't believe in, or going to Canada. Having been given a ticket to Europe by a well to do uncle, he uses his summer to travel around Europe, meeting many people and learning about life in societies that were Social Democracies, and spending his time agonizing over the big decision. His descriptions of various cities in Europe are beautiful and written with a rich vocabulary, and his characterizations of the various individuals with whom he interacts are interesting and vivid. All in all, I reccomend this book.

This novel is a Vietnam-era masterpiece of the choice faced by so many young men: go to war or leave the country. Henry Green flounders around Europe trying to make up his mind just as Europe makes his mind over. Borders of Lilies and Maples is full of pathos, morality, good writing, and humor. I highly recommend it.

Superb awarenss of history along with a brilliant description of the struggle facing draft age males in the late 1960's leaves the reader well informed and entertained. The author's fascinating dissection of the issues of a bygone era, interspersed with richness and texture of people and locales make this a must read for anyone wanting to understand the moral dilemma faced by the protagonist. As a veteran who served honorably in Vietnam, I both respect and admire the quality of thought given this topic as well as the moral decision.