Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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

Even if you couldn't read the words, the stunning photographs alone in this work would reveal the depth and range of emotion endured by everyone touched by the Vietnam conflict. Each personal vignette carries a similar theme - why were we there, how did the atrocities of the war effect me, where am I today? Sadly, there are more tragedies than triumphs, as with all wars, but so poignantly true in this one. Yet, you must go back with these people, imagine what it was like for them, remember how you experienced those times, and hopefully emerge with a compassionate understanding of what it all meant.

There are other books out there titled Voices from Vietnam, but Ms. Edwards has listened to these particular voices and played them back as a ringing chorus that will move you to forgive but never forget the victims on both sides of this war.

Charlene Edwards has put together a wonderfully deverse and mosaic puzzle that refects the human side of the Vietnam War. She has captured the spiritual and emotional energies of those she interviewed and photographed in her book. The book not only has wonderful photos but the text bleeds with heart felt stories.

Her 10 year quest to share the feelings and images of those personal experiences was a gift to the rest of us. I found myself moved to tears at times, by the images and stories she has introduced us to in her book. I am richer for having had the experience of reading this book.

I expected this book to be like many others on Vietnam. Thankfully, it wasn't. It is a beautiful, compassionate book about both Americans and Vietnamese and the affect of the war. Never before have I seen this perspective. It is a book that touches your very soul. Be prepared to cry, as well as apreciating those who served in that war. This is definitely a must have book.

Voices from Vietnam is a brilliant and riveting collection of images and essays that brought the Vietnam war alive to someone who was born at its conclusion. It is a must-read for anyone who served in the war or had loved ones who did. As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, the stories in this book have been instrumental in helping me to understand some of the things my father experienced as a soldier in this war. This compelling book shares stories from every possible perspective, yet the themes of pain, suffering, survival and triumph are very much the same. This is a very personal, very human look at the affects of war. I highly recommend it as a tool for healing and for understanding.

This book is unlike most others about Vietnam. It isn't another history book. It challenges you to open your eyes and view those involved with the war in an entirely new light. The pictures are beautiful, but the stories reach into your soul. The writing is straight from the heart and it is impossible not to connect with everyone. Buy it. You'll be glad you did.

Voices From Vietnam was written by someone who was very young when this war took place, but who was drawn to it and remained dedicated to the understanding of it for the rest of her life.This book is very special because it humanizes both sides and helps us to realize that it was a tragic mistake from the very beginning. Misguided but well-meaning Americans went into the abyss that was left behind by the French colonizers.The people of Vietnam were devastated by over 11 long years of fighting with the Americans .The most powerful nation in the world could not ultimately overpower the determination and tremendous courage of this tiny and poor country.One of the greatest and most profound lessons as demonstrated in this book is that the Vietnamese have forgiven us for the utter decimation of their country and are willing to help us heal the terrible wounds inflicted on both sides.The author introduces us to many people and their stories and shows us that it is possible to embrace your former enemies and work together towards a better future for all.For many Vietnamese the legacy of the war is saddness-the loss of time and place ,of family and friends ,of youth and innocence. If you turn the coin over you find once-young Americans burdened with those same loses.In the end we are a mirror image of each other. Perhaps we will never be able to fully make sense of what we endured on both sides for eleven years.The Vietnamese know they won the war but there was no real winner.The author shows us some of these people and how they have rebuilt their country and extended a hand to us in forgivness and friendship.The many beautiful photographs and interviews tell this story perfectly and for every one of us to understand perfectly.This is an outstanding testimony to the good we all have in us-if only we would try to remember it.

Written and photographed by Charlene Edwards, Voices From Vietnam is an informative history, a compelling photographic odyssey, and an emotionally moving testimonial to the tragedies and triumphs of Americans and Vietnamese tangled together in a bitter and lethal civil war. Voices From Vietnam presents a memorable selection of anecdotes about all the human beings whose lives were marked and forever changed by the Vietnam War. The history of this terrible war, its lasting impact and human struggles to survive and grow in its aftermath make Voices From Vietnam unforgettable and strongly reading -- especially because the storm clouds of war are once again gathering.