Rating: 
Summary: A refreshing look at Vietnam
Review: I found this book extremely enjoyable for several reasons. It had very few characters and a simple plot that made the story easy follow. It painted a picture of Southeast Asia and its culture. Especially Vietnam, which has been an enigma to me since I was a young boy watching my uncles go off to the Vietnam war. It is a good mystery, with enough suspense and humor to keep you turning the pages.
Rating:
Summary: Not just a book for guys.
Review: I had not read anything by James Webb before, and admit to being a little put off by the backgrounds of the cover-blurb writers. They may be war heroes, but do they know about writing? The setting of the novel intrigued me, and I'm glad I did not let the military presentation of Webb put me off "Lost Soldiers" before giving it a try. The publisher might consider text praising Webb in literary as well as military terms, because he is a good writer and this is a good book.
Former Marine Brandon Conley searches for missing soldiers, dead or alive, in Vietnam. The passage of time would lead him, and us, to believe that most of the lost soldiers will be dead, but a surprise is in store. Conley is lead to believe that one of these missing Americans is alive and thriving in Southeast Asia's underground economy. The soldier deserted in 1969 and killed a fellow soldier before joining the Viet Cong, so Conley would really like to catch him.
Most of the action takes place in Vietnam, and it is obvious that Webb loves that country and its people. The Vietnamese characters are full of spirit, especially Conley's friend and pedicab driver Dzung and the mysterious Colonel Pham. The fact that Conley speaks Vietnamese gives us insight into the lives of the people of post-war Vietnam that is touching and thought-provoking.
The Vietnamese characters are by far the most interesting. Except for his linguistic skills and kindness toward this Vietnamese friends, Conley is a fairly typical ex-Marine kind of buff, romantically wounded, Levi-wearing hero-but then he'd probably have to be to do what "Lost Soldiers" asks of him. He has a buffoonish anthropologist sidekick who wears Hawaiian shirts, too. They're both fine, but I wish that a little of the nuance tenderly used on Dzung and Colonel Pham had been left over for them.
Rating:
Summary: Great book from a great writer!
Review: I had the pleasure of visiting southeast Asia this summer. I am a school teacher who is 29 years old, I was born after the war, and none of my family was involved in the war. So I read Lost Soldiers with that background. A history teacher with a lot of book knowledge of the war, but someone too young to have lived through it and without any family members touched by it.I found the book to be amazing. I had just been to Saigon and Bangkok and the book brought me right back. It has the smells and tastes of modern Vietnam. I have enjoyed Webb's other works very much. The Emperor's General is one of the best historical fiction books I have ever read. Fields of Fire is a classic book on the war. Again, classic from the point of view of someone who has never been in the military, so if a veteran disagrees with that, I do not have a leg to stand on. The parts of Lost Soldiers that I felt didn't work were the side story action. How salt is finally caught and brought down to me was insignificant to the rest of the story. In my opinion this story truely captures modern southeast Asia. It also captures the thoughts of those of us who love Asia. Having travelled to Asia many times, having many friends who have travelled just as much, and having friends who taught there and married local women I know first hand about this love of Asia, its customs, its history, and even its women. This book captured all of it. Again, the vet stuff there are others who know much better than I do. But as a history teacher, as someone who loves Asia, as someone who has recently been there. this was a great book. Webb is a great writer and this is an important book.
Rating: 
Summary: A disappointing novel from Jim Webb
Review: I've always been a big fan of Jim Webb's fiction, so this book was a disappointment to me. While Mr. Webb continues to excel at descriptive prose in his vivid depictions of Saigon cyclo drivers and Bangkok pig markets, the plot in this novel was too unbelievable to give this book any staying power as a piece of literature. Mr. Webb did not take the time to make his characters' connections seem authentic, and the climactic moment in the book is forced and utterly improbable. In the end, this is a cheap paperback thriller that shouldn't be taken too seriously . . . and don't buy the hardcover!
Rating:
Summary: A disappointing novel from Jim Webb
Review: I've always been a big fan of Jim Webb's fiction, so this book was a disappointment to me. While Mr. Webb continues to excel at descriptive prose in his vivid depictions of Viet Nam cyclo drivers and Bangkok pig markets, the plot in this novel was too unbelievable to give this book any staying power as a piece of literature. Mr. Webb did not take the time to make his characters' connections seem authentic, and the climactic moment in the book is forced and utterly improbable. In the end, this is a cheap paperback thriller that shouldn't be taken too seriously . . . and don't buy the hardcover!
Rating: 
Summary: View from a Combined Action Platoon Marine
Review: In 1966-67, I worked with the Marines at Fort Page, CAP Lima One, south of Chulai. It was a village of contradictions, of beer, peanuts, duck eggs and laughter during the day, and sudden firefights on the trails and among the hootches once the sun went down. Author James Webb has captured the contradictory soul of that beautiful, tragic country, the conflict between an archaic communist system and the true character of the people, between a system which doesn't work and a people who never stop working. His descriptions rival those of Conrad and, because they are fresher, are better than those of Graham Greene. In fact, he has written the book which explains Vietnam and the fascination it holds for those of us who fought there. He tells an adventure story which is a story of the soul.
Rating:
Summary: A gripping look at modern Vietnam via a mystery
Review: James Webb has the notoriety of writing one of the best books about combat - certainly the best of the Vietnam War genre - in "Fields of Fire". Now, in "Lost Soldiers", he returns the reader to that land nearly 30 years later. Mr. Webb features the protagonist Brandon Condley, a world-weary man still wrestling with the demons of combat but a love for the country of Vietnam, as he tries to unravel the mystery behind an MIA's remains holding the dogtags of another soldier. Condley's investigations branch out in several different subplots and assorted side stories, providing an expansive, multi-layered tale that quickly ties back together in a fast-paced conclusion. The plot itself is rather ordinary as action-mystery tales go, though it does have some interesting twists and turns that only Mr. Webb can provide through the focus of the plot and the setting of the book. However, the plot really takes a backseat to the vivid descriptions of modern-day, post-war Vietnam. While this is indeed a criticism of the overall work, this focus on the setting is surprisingly interesting and appealing. Not much is written in any medium about the Vietnam of today, so getting a "look" through a piece of fiction is quite welcome. Mr. Webb certainly knows of what he speaks, so there is no better to describe the utter poverty, the scars - psychological and otherwise - of war that won't heal, the growing infusion of capitalism, and the ominous grip of communism. It is a fascinating, yet somehow troubling, mix that is all found on the streets of Saigon. All in all, "Lost Soldiers" is an enjoyable read among the fiction released over the past year. Again, more could have been done with the plot, but being placed as a sidenote to the descriptions of modern-day Vietnam does not hurt the overall work as much as it would seem at the outset. That being said, I must give it four stars out of five. Also, a word of caution to those who are trying to compare this to the outstanding "Fields of Fire". Don't compare the two, because in trying to do so, one only comes away more disappointed by this book. "Fields of Fire" and "Lost Soldiers" are two very distinct, separate works that draw on two completely different eras. While "Lost Soldiers" is not of the same caliber as "Fields of Fire", Mr. Webb has bridged these eras very well, and has composed a good read. But the two works should stand independently of one another.
Rating:
Summary: A gripping look at modern Vietnam via a mystery
Review: James Webb has the notoriety of writing one of the best books about combat - certainly the best of the Vietnam War genre - in "Fields of Fire". Now, in "Lost Soldiers", he returns the reader to that land nearly 30 years later. Mr. Webb features the protagonist Brandon Condley, a world-weary man still wrestling with the demons of combat but a love for the country of Vietnam, as he tries to unravel the mystery behind an MIA's remains holding the dogtags of another soldier. Condley's investigations branch out in several different subplots and assorted side stories, providing an expansive, multi-layered tale that quickly ties back together in a fast-paced conclusion. The plot itself is rather ordinary as action-mystery tales go, though it does have some interesting twists and turns that only Mr. Webb can provide through the focus of the plot and the setting of the book. However, the plot really takes a backseat to the vivid descriptions of modern-day, post-war Vietnam. While this is indeed a criticism of the overall work, this focus on the setting is surprisingly interesting and appealing. Not much is written in any medium about the Vietnam of today, so getting a "look" through a piece of fiction is quite welcome. Mr. Webb certainly knows of what he speaks, so there is no better to describe the utter poverty, the scars - psychological and otherwise - of war that won't heal, the growing infusion of capitalism, and the ominous grip of communism. It is a fascinating, yet somehow troubling, mix that is all found on the streets of Saigon. All in all, "Lost Soldiers" is an enjoyable read among the fiction released over the past year. Again, more could have been done with the plot, but being placed as a sidenote to the descriptions of modern-day Vietnam does not hurt the overall work as much as it would seem at the outset. That being said, I must give it four stars out of five. Also, a word of caution to those who are trying to compare this to the outstanding "Fields of Fire". Don't compare the two, because in trying to do so, one only comes away more disappointed by this book. "Fields of Fire" and "Lost Soldiers" are two very distinct, separate works that draw on two completely different eras. While "Lost Soldiers" is not of the same caliber as "Fields of Fire", Mr. Webb has bridged these eras very well, and has composed a good read. But the two works should stand independently of one another.
Rating:
Summary: Why I Want To Go Back To Vietnam
Review: James Webb has written a number of books of varied topics. Unlike some Vietnam veteran authors who seem stuck on Vietnam, Webb can certainly shift gears. Former Marine Brandon Conley is the protagonist. In a word, Conley reflects what Webb is really like, at least in my humble opinion as one who has met him. I merely mention this as I think this is an important point to consider. Webb is fluent in Vietnamese, just like the character (alter-ego) Conley, he is steeped in the culture of the Vietnamese, and he does indeed offer prayers for deceased former enemies as in the book. In short, he is a complex character. The understanding of Vietnamese culture is what comes out in the book. Yes the plot takes a back seat, but must we be so picky? Many of the incidents in the book actually took place during Webb's numerous visits to Vietnam. For instance, the North Vietnam driver really did turn to him when the officer left and speak pidgeon English to him, praising America. Webb thought it so great that he wrote that incident into the book. And Webb truly seems struck, as in the book when he offers a proper prayer in front of the family for their deceased family members. Webb describes in meticulous detail how the photos are arranged. The different generations, as exhibited by Colonel Pham and his daughter Van, who wants freedom and modernity, is what is truly happening in Vietnam Also of interest are the descriptions of the former ARVN soldiers and the social discrimination directed against them. As a form of punishment, no former ARVN soldier is allowed to rise above menial labor. They are all placed in a ghetto in Saigon (or Ho Chi Minh City) so they can be watched. Webb shows their plight through an incident that exposes their inability to afford proper health care as well as a proper burial. They are constantly humiliated and reminded that they and their progeny will never rise any further. Webb also wove his book around the myth of Salt and Pepper. These two, one white and one black, supposedly went to the other side during the war. Their sightings were, to me, like sightings of Elvis and Sasquatsch. I really don't know if they existed, but I certainly heard about them while I was in Vietnam. Most soldiers telling me this actually believed all the stories circulating. What Webb did was put the Salt and Pepper story into the context of the deserters who simply went to live in Saigon, making a living supposedly selling drugs. This was no lie, as there were estimated to be about 500 such souls at the end of the war. Since they took their weapons with them, the MP's became involved in firefights when they got too close. What became of them is anybody's guess (a great fictional plot device, like in the book). Going back to Vietnam is a very tricky subject and can evoke a strong reaction from many Vietnam veterans. We all know of the beauty of Vietnam, but Webb know first-hand the ugly side of Vietnam and describes it well. I did not think this book warrented 5 stars, but would have given it 4 and a half if I could.
Rating:
Summary: A colorful portrait of ravaged country and culture
Review: James Webb's characterizations in this wonderful story are some of the richest I've seen. Mr. Webb takes the reader along for a sensual tour de force of Vietnam from it's heat to it's people to it's smell(s). The reader is intoxicated with all that this beautiful and troubled country has to offer. It's also a great detective story! The storyline is pretty damn near brilliant. Another winner for James Webb.
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