Highways To A War by Christopher Koch (3-Jul-2003) Paperback

by Christopher Koch

Paperback

About the author

Also see Christopher J. Koch

Reviews

[OscarP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Koch's ability to paint a scene was one of the most distinct element of this book, once described I felt I could sit in his places content. The storyline was however still entertaining and nonlinear. At times the characters could feel a little unrealistic, but by and large were very compelling.
I loved the historical elements, especially learning about the civilian experience of the Vietnam War and Cambodian Civil War. The ways historical, and cultural events meshed with the lives of locals felt like a faithful picture of what it might be like to live in wartime Saigon and Phnom Penh in the 60s-70s.
This perspective feels overlooked in many depictions of these conflicts, especially in film depictions that focus (naturally) on the American soldiers' experience. As such this is the first time I felt I've began to understand how the Vietnamese an Cambodian people faired through such a formative period.

Not always a page turner, but still very engaging.

[Farshid Anvari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivid portrayer of life a photographer and war correspondence. The book provides one scenario as to why a person will take-up such a dangerous task. The character lived a life full of drama and when he found the place that he wanted to live for the rest of his life, it was all turned upside down by war. This story is a follow up from Out of Ireland but the two books can be read independently.