Customer Reviews

Soldados: Chicanos in Viet Nam

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For the last decade, Charley Trujillo singlehandedly has kept alive Chicano experiences of the war. Unable to find a publisher interested in Soldados, he published it himself. I have used the book in my university classes on the literature of the war; it is a powerful and important collection. Trujillo's novel, Dogs from Illusion, is another book that should be read in classes on the war. Soldados stands as a precursor to Lea Ybarra's forthcoming oral history of Chicano veterans (Too Many Heroes, University of Texas Press). Orale, Charley, y mil gracias carnal.

The narrative on this book was excellent. Trujillo gives a interesting view of how the Latino/Chicano community conducted themselves during times of savedry. Its bluntness of battle against an enemy that was covert and deadly. This book makes you visualize the rawness of pure inhumanity. Trujillo, in this book, brings to light the fine line between sanity and insanity.

This book is very much a modern day "Los De Abajo." Los De Abajo was the first book written about the Mexican Revolution, using the language of those who fought in the battles. In Soldados, Charley Trujillo also captures the language and feel of the Chicano soldier who survived Vietnam. From truck drivers to infantrymen, these voices tell stories that only Vietnam veterans can tell. Trujillo made a valiant attempt to let the sounds of the voices flow in their natural state, and he edited little, so the words sound as if they come from one who stands on a street corner, talking to whomever will listen. Read this book and get a whole new side of the Vietnam war. Read this book and see the committed, dedicated side of a community that has contributed to the creation of the United States for over two hundred years.

I grew up in Corcoran. My cousin is mentioned in the book. It is so realistic,especially knowing some of these people. My own cousins that served there and my friends brothers,some that didn't make it back, I guess it makes it even more so.

I enjoyed this book the best parts are of the quotation from the Soldados themselves!! Rito Ramirez San Jose, Califas!!

Rich with honesty. Historically relevant.