Book Review – The Sorrow of War, by Bảo Ninh | Rating 4/5 | Qualitative: I really liked it A Stark, Unflinching Portrait of War This book offers a profoundly different perspective on the Vietnam War—one I was not accustomed to—told with striking clarity, raw emotion, and elegant simplicity by a North Vietnamese veteran. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Kien, we are guided into the heart of the sorrow that war inflicts on everyone it touches. His story is not just personal, but emblematic of an entire generation forced to confront loss, disillusionment, and the psychological ruins left behind. The narrative exposes the painful journey endured by every soldier and the society that bears the weight of conflict. From shattered dreams to the erosion of personal aspirations, and for those who survive, the enduring scars—memories, trauma, and the haunting presence of ghosts from a bygone era. This is a book that compels reflection—not just on the Vietnam War, but on all wars being fought even as these words are read. It reminds us that the sorrow, disfigurement, and long-lasting consequences of war are not bound by geography or time. They repeat, decade after decade. I strongly recommend this book for its brutal honesty, emotional depth, and powerful storytelling. It is a stark, unfiltered meditation on war—not only on what it does to individuals, but to the soul of a society. Happy reading. (text revised by a LLM)
- Pedro
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