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Tim O'Brien
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The Things They Carried Paperback – December 29, 1998

by Tim O'Brien (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 14,819 ratings
See all formats and editions
One of the first questions people ask about The Things They Carried is this: Is it a novel, or a collection of short stories? The title page refers to the book simply as "a work of fiction," defying the conscientious reader's need to categorize this masterpiece. It is both: a collection of interrelated short pieces which ultimately reads with the dramatic force and tension of a novel. Yet each one of the twenty-two short pieces is written with such care, emotional content, and prosaic precision that it could stand on its own.

The Things They Carried depicts the men of Alpha Company: Jimmy Cross, Henry Dobbins, Rat Kiley, Mitchell Sanders, Norman Bowker, Kiowa, and of course, the character Tim O'Brien who has survived his tour in Vietnam to become a father and writer at the age of forty-three. They battle the enemy (or maybe more the idea of the enemy), and occasionally each other. In their relationships we see their isolation and loneliness, their rage and fear. They miss their families, their girlfriends and buddies; they miss the lives they left back home. Yet they find sympathy and kindness for strangers (the old man who leads them unscathed through the mine field, the girl who grieves while she dances), and love for each other, because in Vietnam they are the only family they have. We hear the voices of the men and build images upon their dialogue. The way they tell stories about others, we hear them telling stories about themselves.

With the creative verve of the greatest fiction and the intimacy of a searing autobiography, The Things They Carried  is a testament to the men who risked their lives in America's most controversial war. It is also a mirror held up to the frailty of humanity. Ultimately The Things They Carried and its myriad protagonists call to order the courage, determination, and luck we all need to survive.
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  1. Print length
    246 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Broadway
  4. Publication date
    December 29, 1998
  5. Dimensions
    5.25 x 0.7 x 7.91 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0767902890
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0767902892
  8. Lexile measure
    880L
  9. See all details
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Popular Highlights in this book
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  1. They carried all they could bear, and then some, including a silent awe for the terrible power of the things they carried.
    Highlighted by 7,283 Kindle readers
  2. I survived, but it's not a happy ending. I was a coward. I went to the war.
    Highlighted by 5,265 Kindle readers
  3. The bad stuff never stops happening: it lives in its own dimension, replaying itself over and over.
    Highlighted by 4,698 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"I've got to make you read this book.... In a world filled too often with numbness, or shifting values, these stories shine in a strange and opposite direction, moving against the flow, illuminating life's wonder."
--Rick Bass, The Dallas Morning News

"The Things They Carried is more than 'another' book about Vietnam.... It is a master stroke of form and imagery.... The Things They Carried is about life, about men who [fight] and die, about buddies, and about a lost innocence that might be recaptured through the memory of stories. O'Brien tells us these stories because he must. He tells them as they have never been told before."
--Richmond Times-Dispatch

From the Inside Flap

One of the first questions people ask about The Things They Carried is this: Is it a novel, or a collection of short stories? The title page refers to the book simply as "a work of fiction," defying the conscientious reader's need to categorize this masterpiece. It is both: a collection of interrelated short pieces which ultimately reads with the dramatic force and tension of a novel. Yet each one of the twenty-two short pieces is written with such care, emotional content, and prosaic precision that it could stand on its own.

The Things They Carried depicts the men of Alpha Company: Jimmy Cross, Henry Dobbins, Rat Kiley, Mitchell Sanders, Norman Bowker, Kiowa, and of course, the character Tim O'Brien who has survived his tour in Vietnam to become a father and writer at the age of forty-three. They battle the enemy (or maybe more the idea of the enemy), and occasionally each other. In their relationships we see their isolation and loneliness, their rage and fear. They miss their families, their girlfriends and buddies; they miss the lives they left back home. Yet they find sympathy and kindness for strangers (the old man who leads them unscathed through the mine field, the girl who grieves while she dances), and love for each other, because in Vietnam they are the only family they have. We hear the voices of the men and build images upon their dialogue. The way they tell stories about others, we hear them telling stories about themselves.

With the creative verve of the greatest fiction and the intimacy of a searing autobiography, The Things They Carried  is a testament to the men who risked their lives in America's most controversial war. It is also a mirror held up to the frailty of humanity. Ultimately The Things They Carried and its myriad protagonists call to order the courage, determination, and luck we all need to survive.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Broadway (December 29, 1998)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 246 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0767902890
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0767902892
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 880L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.7 x 7.91 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 14,819 ratings

About the author

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Tim O'Brien

Tim O'Brien

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TIM O'BRIEN received the 1979 National Book Award in fiction for Going After Cacciato. His other works include the acclaimed novels The Things They Carried and July, July. In the Lake of the Woods received the James Fenimore Cooper Prize from the Society of American Historians and was named the best novel of 1994 by Time. O'Brien lives in Austin, Texas.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
14,819 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book compelling, well-written, and easy to read. They describe the emotional content as poignant, intense, and draining. Readers also find the thoughts insightful, eye-opening, and cathartic. They say the stories demonstrate war's dehumanization and ability to twist souls. In addition, they describe the realism as convincingly raw.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
ReadabilityWriting qualityEmotional contentThought provokingWar storiesRealismCharacter developmentSpeed of shipping
871 customers mention "Readability"815 positive56 negative

Customers find the book compelling, well-written, and a nice read. They appreciate the authenticity of emotion and the fundamental ability to tell a story. Readers also mention the book is riveting and a cohesive collection of stories.

"...masterpiece of contemporary literature, offering a profound and deeply moving look at the Vietnam War and its enduring impact on those who fought it...." Read more

"...I found The Matterhorn quite compelling, and the recollection that sticks in my mind was of the terrible physical hardship, and the complete..." Read more

"...on the Ken Burns documentary on the Vietnam War which I found very interesting and compelling...." Read more

"...I read it with my teen who had it as assigned reading, last year. Gorgeous and heartbreaking all at once. I knew nothing about the writer...." Read more

396 customers mention "Writing quality"323 positive73 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book well-written, easy to read, and thought-provoking. They say it's an interesting take on the overwritten topic of the Vietnam War. Readers also mention the book is a quick read and an intricate exploration of the burdens borne by soldiers during the Vietnam War.

"...more than just a collection of war stories; it's an intricate exploration of the burdens borne by soldiers during the Vietnam War...." Read more

"...just for those looking for books of war or combat but of excellent writing and storytelling...." Read more

"...Well written reminds us about the good and bad.Tks" Read more

"Love the style of writing and even it was sad it’s the reality of life. Enjoy very much." Read more

271 customers mention "Emotional content"245 positive26 negative

Customers find the book poignant, intense, and draining. They say it helps clarify the surreal experience of combat. Readers also describe the book as moving, heartbreaking, and engaging. In addition, they say it's haunting in many respects.

"...They Carried" is a masterpiece of contemporary literature, offering a profound and deeply moving look at the Vietnam War and its enduring impact on..." Read more

"...stories will resonate more with the reader than others, but it's a poignant and timeless book. I highly recommend it!" Read more

"This is a brilliant and sensitive book about Vietnam...." Read more

"...Gorgeous and heartbreaking all at once. I knew nothing about the writer. The book survived my daughter's backpack for two months...." Read more

218 customers mention "Thought provoking"207 positive11 negative

Customers find the book insightful, eye-opening, and cathartic. They say the author's thoughts are timelessly pertinent, and he has a deep understanding of the human condition. Readers also appreciate the discussion of humanity and stories. They mention the fiction can reveal deeper truths than most autobiographies.

"...The title itself is a powerful metaphor for the physical and emotional burdens the soldiers bear...." Read more

"...The author’s thoughts are timelessly pertinent: That you don’t make war without knowing why...." Read more

"...This was a very eye-opening book about the horrors of this war and it was very hard to put down." Read more

"...I love this book and its discussion of humanity and stories and the importance of stories. I think everyone needs to read it." Read more

146 customers mention "War stories"111 positive35 negative

Customers find the stories in the book to be powerful, expressing all the conflict, fear, contradiction, pain, anger, and confusion. They say it stands up well with VietNam war insights and is refreshing. Readers also mention the book transcends simplistic war/anti-war labels and is relevant.

"..."The Things They Carried" is a masterpiece of contemporary literature, offering a profound and deeply moving look at the Vietnam War and its..." Read more

"...resonate more with the reader than others, but it's a poignant and timeless book. I highly recommend it!" Read more

"...The author also notes that war is nasty; war is fun. War is thrilling, war is drudgery. War makes you a man, war makes you dead...." Read more

"...The plot is not a prominent feature except that it situates the book in Vietnam and the midwestern US when protagonist returns home (Ohio?)...." Read more

58 customers mention "Realism"55 positive3 negative

Customers find the book realistic and believable. They say the situations encountered seem gritty but authentic. Readers appreciate the author's honesty and attention to detail.

"...Finally, a note about the writing. It is masterful. Beautiful. Real without being trite. O'Brien's style here is as much poetry as prose...." Read more

"...It is touching, heartbreaking, real, and not real all at once." Read more

"...The book was so raw, so filled with reality while acknowledging that some stories cannot be told correctly, no matter how many times the author..." Read more

"In a word, real...." Read more

31 customers mention "Character development"26 positive5 negative

Customers find the characters interesting, believable, and well-written. They say the book brings to life some real heroes and provides a good portrayal of real life. Readers also mention the book gives an excellent portrayal of PTSD in action.

"...performers do voices for different characters, but Cranston does the characters so well that I don't even care...." Read more

"...It is a collection of stories about the same characters, but you wouldn't really know that by reading it..." Read more

"...The characters are profoundly well-developed and our connections to the characters are utilized for a potent literary effect, which is the mark of..." Read more

"...This novel is incredibly well written, with characters so real that I was immediately committed to nothing else...." Read more

29 customers mention "Speed of shipping"29 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the speed of shipping. They mention the service is very patient and the book arrived on time in good condition.

"...The book was in great condition and delivery was very quick. The book was interesting with lots of short stories...." Read more

"...Other than this, this book is absolutely amazing, shipping was quick. I am 100% satisfied." Read more

"Great condition and fast delivery. Thanks!" Read more

"Great book, service is very pacient" Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

Madz
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read! Heart wrenching journey through Vietnam war
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2024
Verified Purchase
Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried" is more than just a collection of war stories; it's an intricate exploration of the burdens borne by soldiers during the Vietnam War. The book masterfully blurs the lines between fiction and memoir, creating a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

O'Brien's narrative structure is unconventional yet effective. The book is composed of interconnected stories that revolve around the experiences of a platoon of American soldiers. This fragmented style mirrors the chaotic and disjointed nature of war itself, immersing readers in the soldiers' reality. Each chapter can stand alone, yet together, they form a cohesive and compelling portrait of war and its aftermath.

The characters in "The Things They Carried" are richly developed and achingly human. O'Brien delves into their inner lives, exposing their fears, hopes, and regrets. Lieutenant Jimmy Cross, for instance, is haunted by his love for a girl back home and the death of a comrade, illustrating the personal costs of leadership and responsibility. Through these intimate portrayals, O'Brien brings to life the emotional weight that each soldier carries, both literally and metaphorically.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its exploration of themes such as fear, courage, guilt, and the search for meaning. The title itself is a powerful metaphor for the physical and emotional burdens the soldiers bear. O'Brien skillfully uses symbolism to enhance these themes, such as the weight of the physical items each soldier carries representing their psychological burdens.

O'Brien's writing is poignant and evocative, often leaving readers with a profound sense of empathy and sorrow. His prose is both lyrical and raw, capturing the brutal realities of war while also finding moments of beauty and humanity. The book's emotional impact is heightened by O'Brien's willingness to confront the complexities of memory and truth, challenging readers to consider the nature of storytelling and the ways we process trauma.

What sets "The Things They Carried" apart is its authenticity. O'Brien, a Vietnam veteran himself, infuses the book with an honesty that is both brutal and tender. He does not shy away from the horrors of war, but he also acknowledges the moments of camaraderie and love that sustain the soldiers. This balance makes the book not just a war story, but a universal exploration of the human condition.

"The Things They Carried" is a masterpiece of contemporary literature, offering a profound and deeply moving look at the Vietnam War and its enduring impact on those who fought it. Tim O'Brien's ability to weave together fact and fiction, past and present, creates a narrative that is as enlightening as it is heart-wrenching. For anyone seeking to understand the true cost of war, this book is an essential read.
6 people found this helpful
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Nelda
4.0 out of 5 stars Poignant and Timeless
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2024
Verified Purchase
I love the way that humanity pervades these men's stories and how well the author brings that theme across. I used a story or two in my ESL classes years ago. I wish I had kept my copy of the book, but as usual, loaned it and never got it back. It may be time to read this book again. For sure, some stories will resonate more with the reader than others, but it's a poignant and timeless book. I highly recommend it!
4 people found this helpful
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J. M. Alexander
5.0 out of 5 stars An Emotional Look Back at Vietnam
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2014
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This is a brilliant and sensitive book about Vietnam. Although I wasn’t there, I served in the military during that period, safely stateside, and was glad to not go to a war that was so difficult to explain and justify. Nevertheless, I felt a sense of guilt for no other reason than that my peers were fighting and dying there. I have talked to others who stayed out of harm’s way while otherwise serving, and the same feeling was at least lurking in their psyche. Perhaps as a result, and having lived through a time when the country was torn apart by this distant conflict, I avoided the books and films that came out soon after the conflict ended. But as time passed, it became easier and appropriate to examine the experiences of those who were actually engaged in this misguided war.

A couple of years ago I read “The Matterhorn”. Like this book, it is a novel, but one obviously based on the experience of the author who served in Vietnam. I found The Matterhorn quite compelling, and the recollection that sticks in my mind was of the terrible physical hardship, and the complete exhaustion of the troops. There was much more to the book, but that is what stayed with me. I found quite a different viewpoint in The Things They Carried.

The book begins reciting the physical things that the troops carried- guns and boots and ponchos and rations and a myriad of supplies that necessarily weighted them down on their days and nights in the field. But it quickly became obvious that the title did not really refer to these tangible objects but instead to the emotional burdens that were much more weighty.

For the author, dealing with such emotional burdens begins as he grapples with a decision to obey the draft or go to Canada. There is a wonderful chapter about his stay in a cabin near the Canadian border where, along with the aged proprietor, he contemplates his decision. He decides against leaving the country, but not out of an internal patriotism, but instead from a sense of shame if he failed to report. He did not want to disappoint his family and friends, and this fear of shame was much more compelling than the fear of war. Indeed, he would go to war and kill and maybe die, because he was embarrassed not to.

This sense of shame, or embarrassment, also transferred to the battlefield. In fact, of all the things the soldiers carried, the most compelling was the fear of blushing. Men killed and died because they were embarrassed not to. Their acts of bravery were not a product of courage or valor, but from the fact that they were too frightened to be thought of as cowards. They also battled with the desire to be a good man in the midst of all the evil, to find justice amidst the dying. But war, whatever it is, is never moral-it does not instruct nor encourage virtue, nor suggest models of proper human behavior, nor restrain men from doing what they have always done. War is hell, but it is also terror and adventure and courage and discovery. The author also notes that war is nasty; war is fun. War is thrilling, war is drudgery. War makes you a man, war makes you dead. It can also be a rush, one may never feel more alive than when he’s almost dead.
Amidst all the emotions, the book must also recount the grisly details of that combat, but it always seemed to me a story of emotion. And just as these men–actually boys– carried the shame of a judgmental society as their propulsion to fight and die, they acquired and returned with great burdens of guilt. This guilt was the thing they carried home, along with memories that they could not put out of their minds. These are probably the same memories that soldiers have always brought back, but those returning from Vietnam were perhaps the first to gradually discuss and try to deal with this emotional burden.

The book tells a difficult and instructive story. It again raises questions and issue that were discussed at the time but have faded with other memories of those times. The author’s thoughts are timelessly pertinent:

That you don’t make war without knowing why. That Vietnam seemed wrong to him because certain blood was being shed for uncertain reasons. And that when a nation goes to war it must have reasonable confidence in the justice and imperative of its cause, because you can’t fix your mistakes. Once people are dead, you can’t make them undead.

Simple expectations when young lives are at stake.
103 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Verónica Spíndola
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente novela
Reviewed in Mexico on August 18, 2024
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Excelente novela! Y llegó muy rápido y bien empacada
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Dogrib
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the finest books ever written
Reviewed in Canada on July 31, 2024
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I mean it. I go back to it frequently, read passages aloud to those I love. It sings hypnotic songs of sadness and yet keeps it all alive.
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Leonardo
5.0 out of 5 stars Capolavoro di letteratura americana contemporanea
Reviewed in Italy on June 26, 2023
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Un libro dove forma e contenuto raggiungono una simbiosi davvero straordinaria; metamoderno, nella sua decostruzione del medium del "racconto di guerra," e al contempo nel suo utilizzo cosciente e puro.
Lo stile è diretto, sommario, nell'asprezza distaccata della narrazione; la certezza espressiva nel racconto rende evidente più che mai l'ambiguità di tutto ciò che è la guerra, quella guerra, il coraggio, la paura, la fraternità dei soldati.
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E.H. d.
3.0 out of 5 stars Boek moet ik nog lezen, maar dit is hoe het werd geleverd.
Reviewed in the Netherlands on April 11, 2023
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E.H. d.
3.0 out of 5 stars Boek moet ik nog lezen, maar dit is hoe het werd geleverd.
Reviewed in the Netherlands on April 11, 2023

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Jorge Henrique Guimaraes
5.0 out of 5 stars Pure gold!
Reviewed in Brazil on July 31, 2017
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The best book about people under the circunstances of killing or beeing killed.
The ever remainder of war isannity.
Pure Gold.
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