Voices from Vietnam: The Tragedies and Triumphs of Americans and Vietnamese--Two Peoples Forever Entwined by the Legacy of War [Hardcover]

Charlene Edwards (Photographer, Author), Robin Moore (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2002

Through powerful personal narratives and photographs, this examination of the lives touched by the Vietnam War draws from the experience of those people, both American and Vietnamese, affected by the war on the battlefront and at home. Stories recounted include those of the soldiers, nurses, refugees, American Asian survivors, and of those who fearfully awaited the return of friends and family members. Ultimately, the stories reflect moments of history in the hope and despair that define individuals' lives.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A complex view, from both the American and Vietnamese vantage point that is full of emotion and insight." -- Willis E. Hartshorn: Director of the International Center of Photography in New York

"A valuable contribution to the literature of the war, marked by the unusual diversity of voices it records." -- Marilyn B. Young: Professor, History, New York University and author of The Vietnam Wars, 1945-1990

"Anyone who was in any way touched by the Vietnam War will find this book deeply moving and hauntingly evocative." -- Robin Moore: Former Green Beret and award winning author of The Green Berets and The French Connection

"It is a powerful and monumental work, and a weapon against future wars." -- Jan C. Scruggs, Esq.: President, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc. and founder of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

About the Author

Charlene Edwards is a writer and photographer whose work has appeared in the New York Times, the Daily News, the Boston Globe, and the Chicago Tribune. She was a set photographer and photo and writing researcher for The Class of the 20th Century, a series for the Arts and Entertainment Network. She lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: Journeys (October 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971402051
• ISBN-13: 978-0971402058
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 10 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,906,064 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rich, Haunting, Beautiful..., November 6, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Voices from Vietnam: The Tragedies and Triumphs of Americans and Vietnamese--Two Peoples Forever Entwined by the Legacy of War (Hardcover)

This beautiful book looks at the Vietnam War--or the American War, depending on your perspective--with the unflinching gaze of those who lived and continue to live its consequences. The photographs are simply exquisite; the narratives and interviews compelling. A map and chronology in the Resource Guide at the end of the book provide a solid reference for those who are interested in dates and cold facts, but the real power of the book is the window it opens onto a clear, touching, yet hopeful account of this monumental conflict. Charlene Edwards has brought forth a gem.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece, November 30, 2002

By 

Frederick A. Pereira, M.D. (Flushing, New York USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Voices from Vietnam: The Tragedies and Triumphs of Americans and Vietnamese--Two Peoples Forever Entwined by the Legacy of War (Hardcover)

In the thirty or so years since my tour of duty in Vietnam, I have read dozens of books on the tragedy of the Vietnam War. I can say unequivocally that Charlene Edwards' unique and unusual photographic essay is one of the best, if not the best, book I've read. It consists of a series of interrelated vignettes and anecdotes of Americans and Vietnamese who were affected by the war, accompanied by photography of the highest artistic order. Some of the stories are gut-wrenching, and I defy anyone to read them and not be moved. Edwards writes passionately from the heart, yet there is not a hint of rancor, politics or ideology. The book deals entirely within the human dimension, and therein lies its power. In this book you will meet the best of humanity...and the worst. I consider Voices of Vietnam a masterpiece, and very strongly recommend it to anyone interested in the Vietnam war in particular, and the long-term destructiveness of war in general.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A True Masterpiece, January 15, 2005

By 

Tiger Boy "tigerboy" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Voices from Vietnam: The Tragedies and Triumphs of Americans and Vietnamese--Two Peoples Forever Entwined by the Legacy of War (Hardcover)

The author is gifted with both lens and pen...the vivid photos coupled with poignant stories drags the reader through a twisting maze of emotions.
I believe that this is one of the very best books concerning a generation that is still trying to find it's way or perhaps come to terms with themselves...so many stories, so many unanswered questions....so much pain...so much heartbreak...so many tears.
Each story is filled with a vast spectrum of emotions.
Charlene Edwards is simply gifted...I can say no more to describe her talent.
I am unable to add more for fear of becoming redundant...I lack the words to offer a review that is worthy. I can only say that 5 stars is inadequet.
Eddie Delezen..author of...
Eye of the Tiger
Thoughts Etched in Jade
Red Plateau