Customer Reviews

The Dying Place

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Like another reviewer, this book was so good that I read it more than once. The reader feels an adrenaline rush with the author as he's running for his life to get to the LZ for extraction. Very vivid feel for what it must have been like deep in enemy territory with a small recon team. After reading this, read SOG by Major Plaster (a great history of the Studies and Observations Group). Although The Dying Place is written as fiction, you will recognize some of the characters.

Picked this one up as an afterthought while in my favorite second hand bookstore here in Tasmania. Read it in two days and then went straight back and read it again. I've read a few books in my time and I've never done that. I was going to give it 4 stars because almost all of your reviews for your books are 5 star but this one most definately deserves 5. I enjoy a good war story and this is one of the best. Hang on tight as you go along on this white knuckle ride with a ragtag team of LRRPS behind enemy lines in vietnam. Just coming out alive is a victory in itself. A word of warning to finish, don't lend it to anyone because you will not get it back.

This author painted a word picture of special operations interaction with "mercenary" forces during the Vietnam War, which differs significantly from so many other works about this period. It is a personal story that defines the price paid by some of the most actively engaged Americans in that long and frustrating conflict. It deserves a reading by anyone who is really trying to understand the surreal nature of unconventional warfare from the point of departure with conventional military realities. Maurer leaves the reader with the singular understanding that one must walk in the soldier's shoes to stand in judgement where war is concerned. Details give reality to every page, and the main character is both believable and all too human. As with every monumental historical event, a single work can only touch one small portion of what transpired. This work is no exception. It appears to me to be a collection of real events linked together by a fictional character who serves as the alter-ego of the writer...the "human vehicle" through which this story could be told. It is well written and an easy read. I consider it a "must" for those trying to establish a more complete understanding of the Vietnam War and those who fought it.

Mr. Maurer's book is the first of it's kind. Based on what I have read about SOG by other authors, I am convinced most of the "novel" is non-fiction under another name. It is fairly easy to piece together who was probably who under Maurer's psuedonyms. In any event, a great read. I would love to see Mr. Maurer write another book on his experiences, sans the "fiction" disclaimer. Mr. Maurer, thank you for your service, and sharing your experiences. I must not have been easy. My respect to you sir.

Very good, accurate and gives insight into the units operations during the war.

I have dozens of Vietnam war special warfare books and without a doubt "The Dying Place" is the best one out there. You would be a fool to pass this book up. I promise you won't be disappointed.

I liked the book but I did not find it to be a 5 star book like the other reviewers. I am a Vietnam Era veteran who has read just about everything about Nam I can get my hands on. The insertions across the fence into Laos are only short portions of the book without much real action. I did not get the sheer feeling of terror from trying to get back out like I did from reading Charlie Mike and Last Run, or Hill 488 (non-fiction.) Worth the read but there are better ones out there. Beginning scene is best part of book; ending is disappointing.