Rating: 
Summary: A Call for Reconciliation
Review: Vietnam was the defining era of my (and Nelson Demille's) generation. Whether you felt it was your duty to oppose the war and resist the draft, or you felt it was your duty to fight to uphold your beliefs at that time, or you were just caught up in something that as a young person you didn't fully understand, all of our beliefs and sympathies changed during and immediately after this war. But though there were animosities among us at the time, over time we've come to appreciate each other, and to forgive ourselves.
This is the message of Demille's very special book. Yes, it's a gripping story. And yes, it's difficult to make someone of a younger generation understand not only that deep place in ourselves that we know exists but that we don't want to visit. But through the vehicle of this story, DeMille performs this remarkable feat with Susan and, I think, for younger (than 45) readers.
I don't believe there's a better book with a more realistic view of that time and of this world, of present-day Vietnam and of our own government, and of the continuing mission that we all share: to care for each other and to watch our government closely.
Rating: 
Summary: not a mystery
Review: For those of us from the "Vietnam generation" this was an interesting and occasionally moving story which I could not stop reading for the scenes where the character relates vivid wartime experiences. But for those looking for a mystery or a more typical Demille book, you will be disappointed. Given that the author seems to spend most of this book reliving or revisiting his Nam experiences, it might have been a better book if he had written a nonfiction account of his return without the distractions of a barely-imagined plot and an unbelievable romance.
Rating: 
Summary: 300 pages too ling
Review: Demille's Gold Coast is one of my all-time favorite books, but Up Country seems to have been written by a mediocre author intent on cranking out 800+ pages in one draft. The writing is repetitive, shallow, annoyingly chatty, and several of the events described strain the credibility of the reader.
Rating: 
Summary: Entertaining Read
Review: Very entertaining and witty because of the likeability of the main character. Still though my all-time favorite DeMille is Plum Island.
Rating:
Summary: First-time DeMille Reader
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed Up Country from the first page through the last. Unlike other reviewers looking for more "action", I could picture the characters racing through Vietnam and getting into all kinds of predicaments in addition to the many interrogations by the ever-suspicious Colonel Mang. Mr. DeMille's descriptions of Vietnam took me to a country I'm sure I will never get to visit and to a time in our history I was too young to understand. Thank you Mr. DeMille. My next visit to the book store will include purchasing Mr. DeMille's other works.
Rating:
Summary: A Vicarious Return to Viet Nam
Review: A picture may be worth a thousand words, but seldom is an author able to paint a complete picture in a thousand words. Viet Nam was a travesty, as any Vet will tell you. Paul Brenner, non-government agent (retired after The General's Daughter) is asked to do a quick favor for his country. Simply go to South Viet Nam, and be picked up in Hanoi a week later. Other details? No, not really. A partial letter. A strange heroine (just who is she, anyway?). Oh, yeah, it's Tet, and you can't travel during that time. Well, maybe it would help if Brenner stopped in a hillside town in an out of limits area in Central Viet Nam. The plot unfolds and refolds page after page. The book is riveting. Can Brenner follow orders? Well, if he had any that he wanted to, I'm sure he could. This is an action packed book that is nearly impossible to put down. If you have been in South East Asia during the 60s or 70s, this is a must read. If not, it is required reading. Make this your next action/adventure read. You won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: DeMille at his best
Review: I am a big DeMille fan and this was one of my favoites. I found the description of Vietnam today very interesting . The story line was full of suspense and his character development is just great. I always feel like the characters can jump off the page . That they are real , with human frailities and strengths just like all of us . I am planing a trip to Vietnam in the future with my veteran boyfriend and I sent this to him to read. He also thoroughly enjoyed it. I really think that anyone looking for a fast paced and informative read would like this novel.
Rating:
Summary: Long, strange, funny trip up country
Review: DeMille can really tell a story. His male protagonist, almost always a reforming alcoholic, haunted by his past, trained in the ways of the Special Forces, adored by young and beautiful women, cracks jokes, stories, and hilarious thoughts at a rate of about four per page.This time DeMille takes us to Vietnam, all over Vietnam. With the knowledge of a seasoned veteran of the American war there, he leads the reader through tropical jungles, beautiful beaches, romance, criminal pasts, and foreign intrigue. A surprisingly long, dense, and detailed work, "Up Country" is a sentimental journey that produces somewhat predictable yet always compelling results. A more realistic and riveting version of Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt, DeMille's hero is both common and super in his ability to attract women, solve crimes, and find his way through a hostile, foreign country.
Rating:
Summary: Really fun read. Casting directors, hear this:
Review: "Up Country" is the perfect vehicle for that long-awaited
movie duo, Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart. These two would be perfect for the roles of Paul and Susan. Also, Ford and Naomi Watts, for Susan is a true chameleon, and Watts's performance in "Mullholland Drive" qualifies her for the role of the debutante-CIA sidekick for the older Paul Brenner. Thanks to the author for giving us a fascinating, informative bird's-eye view of Vietnam during the war and Vietnam now. This novel has so many facets: it's a whodunnit, a thriller, a romance, a historical overview and a travelogue. While Brenner's sarcasm becomes a bit tiresome at times, it fits the world-weary,Vietnam pothead era-persona of the main character. Man, it's just gotta be Harrison Ford...not Travolta, not Bruce Willis, please....just Ford. I'd be the first in line for tickets.
Rating:
Summary: A Most Excellent Tour De Force
Review: Nelson DeMille has done it again. This thoroughly researched novel is nothing short magnificant in its sweeping view of Vietnam; both in its current state and during the war years from 1968-1972. Combining mystery, violence, love, sex, intrigue and chilling confrontation, Up Country offers readers a genuine opportunity to explore a subject few really dare to tackle.
Vietnam Veterans will have the opportunity to revisit the war, the places and detailed accounts of the battles that took place.
In the spirit of "Heart Of Darkness", DeMille is as good as it gets for incorporating history and contemporary issues confronting Americans and Vietnam. If this wonderful novel has any flaw it is that it starts slow, but the reader is advised to work through the beginning, as quickly you are drawn into the network of intrigue that will rivit you to the very end of the book.
A Most Excellent read. Truly one of the better novels you'll read this year.
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