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The Plain of Jars
2014 Dayton Literary Peace Prize entry!
What would you do if you found that the bones and ashes you were given by the Air Force were not the remains of your loved one? Dorothy Kozeny, a 64-year-old widow from a small town in Ohio, after getting no answers from the relevant authorities, decides the only thing to do is to go to Laos herself to search for the truth concerning her son's fate. In 1990, accompanied by a trusted Laotian called Kampeng, Dorothy travels deep into the mountains of rural Laos, attempting to trace her son's path through inhospitable terrain, an unforgettable trek that provides her with a rewarding, often humorous, and at times frustrating, cross-cultural experience. All clues lead her to a mysterious figure, an alleged CIA operative left over from the war, living in a remote and hostile area deep in the jungle. The second part of the book traces the life of this enigmatic character hiding in Laos, the two main characters linked through Dorothy's son.
Reviewed By Michelle Stanley for Readers’ Favorite
Dorothy Kozeny, grieving for her son who died in Vietnam, is shocked when she receives a mysterious letter stating the ashes the military sent her may not be Andrew’s. Her investigation confirms this, but the military bureaucrats are tight-lipped. Dorothy decides to go to Laos to unearth the truth. Kampeng, a guide, takes Dorothy on an unforgettable journey filled with trepidation as the country experiences political unrest, but also excitement at being exposed to a new culture. She finds items belonging to Andrew at a Buddhist shrine, and natives tell her a powerful man known as Chao Baa may have the information she needs. Dorothy learns that Chao Baa is the alias for an American, Richard Johnson. But Chao Baa has no interest in meeting anyone from the past, much to Dorothy’s disappointment. How can she release the grief when no one gives the answers to solve Andrew’s death? The Plain of Jars is written by N. Lombardi, Jr.
The Plain of Jars is an engaging action adventure novel. N.Lombardi Jr. combined historical facts and fiction very nicely. It was a great way for me to learn more about the Vietnam war and how it affected both countries. The author expounded on this through the characters and intense writing. I thought he succeeded in displaying the actions and emotions of everyone, especially Dorothy. This enabled me to feel them too, and appreciate the intriguing twists and good ending. Although the story was lengthy, it was enjoyable and worth reading.
What would you do if you found that the bones and ashes you were given by the Air Force were not the remains of your loved one? Dorothy Kozeny, a 64-year-old widow from a small town in Ohio, after getting no answers from the relevant authorities, decides the only thing to do is to go to Laos herself to search for the truth concerning her son's fate. In 1990, accompanied by a trusted Laotian called Kampeng, Dorothy travels deep into the mountains of rural Laos, attempting to trace her son's path through inhospitable terrain, an unforgettable trek that provides her with a rewarding, often humorous, and at times frustrating, cross-cultural experience. All clues lead her to a mysterious figure, an alleged CIA operative left over from the war, living in a remote and hostile area deep in the jungle. The second part of the book traces the life of this enigmatic character hiding in Laos, the two main characters linked through Dorothy's son.
Reviewed By Michelle Stanley for Readers’ Favorite
Dorothy Kozeny, grieving for her son who died in Vietnam, is shocked when she receives a mysterious letter stating the ashes the military sent her may not be Andrew’s. Her investigation confirms this, but the military bureaucrats are tight-lipped. Dorothy decides to go to Laos to unearth the truth. Kampeng, a guide, takes Dorothy on an unforgettable journey filled with trepidation as the country experiences political unrest, but also excitement at being exposed to a new culture. She finds items belonging to Andrew at a Buddhist shrine, and natives tell her a powerful man known as Chao Baa may have the information she needs. Dorothy learns that Chao Baa is the alias for an American, Richard Johnson. But Chao Baa has no interest in meeting anyone from the past, much to Dorothy’s disappointment. How can she release the grief when no one gives the answers to solve Andrew’s death? The Plain of Jars is written by N. Lombardi, Jr.
The Plain of Jars is an engaging action adventure novel. N.Lombardi Jr. combined historical facts and fiction very nicely. It was a great way for me to learn more about the Vietnam war and how it affected both countries. The author expounded on this through the characters and intense writing. I thought he succeeded in displaying the actions and emotions of everyone, especially Dorothy. This enabled me to feel them too, and appreciate the intriguing twists and good ending. Although the story was lengthy, it was enjoyable and worth reading.
- GenresFiction
669 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2013
6 people are currently reading
1095 people want to read
About the author
N. Lombardi Jr.
3 books188 followersN. Lombardi Jr, the N for Nicholas, has spent over half his life in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, working as a groundwater geologist. Nick can speak five languages: Swahili, Thai, Lao, Chinese, and Khmer (Cambodian).
In 1997, while visiting Lao People's Democratic Republic, he witnessed the remnants of a secret war that had been waged for nine years, among which were children wounded from leftover cluster bombs. Driven by what he saw, he worked on The Plain of Jars for the next eight years.
Nick maintains a website with content that spans most aspects of the novel: The Secret War, Laotian culture, Buddhism etc. http://plainofjars.net
His second novel, Journey Towards a Falling Sun, is set in the wild frontier of northern Kenya.
His latest novel, Justice Gone was inspired by the fatal beating of a homeless man by police.
Nick now lives in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Some personal comments taken from his user's profile:
Working as an engineering geologist has taken me to other countries as well, including the Gulf States in the Middle East, North Africa, and two years in China. My cross-cultural experiences allow me to adopt a world view, and form a major component of my writing, with the aim of spreading cultural knowledge to the reading public in an entertaining way. I also enjoy writing emotionally charged stories, and I often laugh and cry while writing them,lost inside the fictional world I create.
Politically, I am ardently against any war,regardless of the rhetoric used to justify it. Until we abandon war, the human race is fated to remain in a savage condition
I enjoy physical exercise, watching a well made film (I love Frank Capra), and of course reading a good book. I like to be in natural settings rather than an urban environment. I am also morbidly interested in following the dark side of covert machinations by the state, and geopolitics, the root cause of war.
In 1997, while visiting Lao People's Democratic Republic, he witnessed the remnants of a secret war that had been waged for nine years, among which were children wounded from leftover cluster bombs. Driven by what he saw, he worked on The Plain of Jars for the next eight years.
Nick maintains a website with content that spans most aspects of the novel: The Secret War, Laotian culture, Buddhism etc. http://plainofjars.net
His second novel, Journey Towards a Falling Sun, is set in the wild frontier of northern Kenya.
His latest novel, Justice Gone was inspired by the fatal beating of a homeless man by police.
Nick now lives in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Some personal comments taken from his user's profile:
Working as an engineering geologist has taken me to other countries as well, including the Gulf States in the Middle East, North Africa, and two years in China. My cross-cultural experiences allow me to adopt a world view, and form a major component of my writing, with the aim of spreading cultural knowledge to the reading public in an entertaining way. I also enjoy writing emotionally charged stories, and I often laugh and cry while writing them,lost inside the fictional world I create.
Politically, I am ardently against any war,regardless of the rhetoric used to justify it. Until we abandon war, the human race is fated to remain in a savage condition
I enjoy physical exercise, watching a well made film (I love Frank Capra), and of course reading a good book. I like to be in natural settings rather than an urban environment. I am also morbidly interested in following the dark side of covert machinations by the state, and geopolitics, the root cause of war.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 13, 2013
Based on historical facts, The Plain of Jars is an adventure story with a message still relevant today, a moving anti-war novel that exposes the secret and illegal war conducted for nine years against innocent peasants. Over all a really well-written, well researched, human interest story and a gripping read. There are some great characters and the dialogue is good. The key information is drip fed at just the right pace to keep the reader hooked. This is a well-written book with a compelling story. The author knows his subject well, producing a strong sense of pace on all fronts.
April 12, 2014
Novel received courtesy of the author in exchange for a review
I loved this novel! I must admit that when I received it, I was a bit shocked at its size (660 pages). I thought, "Oh no, what have I gotten myself into?" But this author needed every one of those 660 pages to tell the story. I was also a bit intimidated by the subject of the Vietnam/Cambodia/Laos war. Because I was born in 1965, I've heard about the war my whole life and I've always been interested in learning more, but I didn't live through it. When starting a book, however, I always worry that the author will assume that I know more than I actually do. I needn't have worried a bit.
This novel was so well-written, the landscape and people of Laos so well-described and the characters so well-defined that I was truly captivated from the beginning. The novel tells the story of one woman's search for answers about what truly happened to her son while flying bombing missions over Laos is the late 60's. Her need for answers quickly became my own need for her to find those answers. The novel staggers between time periods; telling her and her son's stories alternately.
The landscape of the Plain of Jars was so well described that I've spent lots of time looking at it on the internet. I had never heard of this place with the ancient stone jars! I keep telling people, while talking about the book, that if I were a world traveler I would be booking a trip to see it for myself. The reader will know that the author has spent much of his time in the area by the beautiful descriptions of the land and the different peoples of the country. The author makes it clear that there are many different cultures and languages in the area. The reader is treated to characters of the differing cultures and their peculiarities.
The Buddhist religion also plays a huge role in the novel. I found myself engrossed in the descriptions of the beliefs of the characters. The concept of Karma played out again and again, both supporting and rejecting the belief. Many of the precepts of that religion are seen through the lives of the characters. Many people of that area also have mythical/magical beliefs and those were also described through the lives of the characters.
The author also supplies a website where readers can go to learn more about Laos, the Plain of Jars and the culture and history of the area. I am still investigating the site and finding so much to learn.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If I were a college professor, I would consider using it as part of a class on the Vietnam war and it's cost to the many people of the region. While it is a novel about the war, it is, ultimately a novel of one woman's need to find answers about her son's death/disappearance during the war.
I loved this novel! I must admit that when I received it, I was a bit shocked at its size (660 pages). I thought, "Oh no, what have I gotten myself into?" But this author needed every one of those 660 pages to tell the story. I was also a bit intimidated by the subject of the Vietnam/Cambodia/Laos war. Because I was born in 1965, I've heard about the war my whole life and I've always been interested in learning more, but I didn't live through it. When starting a book, however, I always worry that the author will assume that I know more than I actually do. I needn't have worried a bit.
This novel was so well-written, the landscape and people of Laos so well-described and the characters so well-defined that I was truly captivated from the beginning. The novel tells the story of one woman's search for answers about what truly happened to her son while flying bombing missions over Laos is the late 60's. Her need for answers quickly became my own need for her to find those answers. The novel staggers between time periods; telling her and her son's stories alternately.
The landscape of the Plain of Jars was so well described that I've spent lots of time looking at it on the internet. I had never heard of this place with the ancient stone jars! I keep telling people, while talking about the book, that if I were a world traveler I would be booking a trip to see it for myself. The reader will know that the author has spent much of his time in the area by the beautiful descriptions of the land and the different peoples of the country. The author makes it clear that there are many different cultures and languages in the area. The reader is treated to characters of the differing cultures and their peculiarities.
The Buddhist religion also plays a huge role in the novel. I found myself engrossed in the descriptions of the beliefs of the characters. The concept of Karma played out again and again, both supporting and rejecting the belief. Many of the precepts of that religion are seen through the lives of the characters. Many people of that area also have mythical/magical beliefs and those were also described through the lives of the characters.
The author also supplies a website where readers can go to learn more about Laos, the Plain of Jars and the culture and history of the area. I am still investigating the site and finding so much to learn.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If I were a college professor, I would consider using it as part of a class on the Vietnam war and it's cost to the many people of the region. While it is a novel about the war, it is, ultimately a novel of one woman's need to find answers about her son's death/disappearance during the war.
November 18, 2014
Although this is a very big read, do not be deterred. This book is so well written, engaging and current you won't be able to put it down.
Told over a twenty year period and spanning America to Thailand from different points of view very cleverly woven together.
It is primarily about War and poverty and the evils american army and government commit in the name of safety/security and advancement. It reflects on how one soldier realises that the America hes been fighting for are the true evil. Charged with the responsibility of setting off land mines destroying an already impoverished country and what devastating consequences this has.
If you believe 9/11 was an inside Job, which in my opinion the evidence speaks for itself, you will enjoy this. Separating conspiracy theory from conspiracy fact, you only have to ask yourself why governments do what they do? What do they stand to gain from it. In Iraq they got oil, drugs, secret Stargate technology and ancient priceless artefacts, which is the true reason for occuption , no different to the Nazis in my opinion.
It is also about one women's journey to find her son after twenty years as she doesn't believe her son is dead as she has been lead to believe by her government.
This beautiful haunting book reflects on real issues told from an amazing perspective and I'm sure happens a lot in real life.
5 star read should be a film
Told over a twenty year period and spanning America to Thailand from different points of view very cleverly woven together.
It is primarily about War and poverty and the evils american army and government commit in the name of safety/security and advancement. It reflects on how one soldier realises that the America hes been fighting for are the true evil. Charged with the responsibility of setting off land mines destroying an already impoverished country and what devastating consequences this has.
If you believe 9/11 was an inside Job, which in my opinion the evidence speaks for itself, you will enjoy this. Separating conspiracy theory from conspiracy fact, you only have to ask yourself why governments do what they do? What do they stand to gain from it. In Iraq they got oil, drugs, secret Stargate technology and ancient priceless artefacts, which is the true reason for occuption , no different to the Nazis in my opinion.
It is also about one women's journey to find her son after twenty years as she doesn't believe her son is dead as she has been lead to believe by her government.
This beautiful haunting book reflects on real issues told from an amazing perspective and I'm sure happens a lot in real life.
5 star read should be a film
September 13, 2016
I won this through Goodreads Firstreads.
This was quite an amazing story, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The initial topic that set off the long chain of events was of much interest, especially at a time where our government is unaccountable for questionable activities; and the beginning of book took place in 1969-1970. There are two halves of the book, from two different points of view; Dorthy and the Chao Baa, and equally engrossing.
Upon receiving a mysterious letter, Dorothy Kozeny's reaction was fully expected, what she did next, in my opinion, was not.
I thought Dorothy's journey was awesome, even the miserable aspects of travel. I felt like I was accompanying her throughout her mission. The author included a lot of folklore about Laotians which made it and the surrounding areas seem magical, despite the fact that it was previously a war zone.
The author also had so many engaging facts about Laos; the superstitions, rituals, customs, and even the every day goings on were unique and not trivial. The reader learns all about life as a wife, a child, a father, mother, monk, and a soldier. I was actually able to retain a few Laotian phrases as well.
This was not just a story about people, this book was a trip taken to a different place, an adventure. You can't help but get involved.
This was quite an amazing story, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The initial topic that set off the long chain of events was of much interest, especially at a time where our government is unaccountable for questionable activities; and the beginning of book took place in 1969-1970. There are two halves of the book, from two different points of view; Dorthy and the Chao Baa, and equally engrossing.
Upon receiving a mysterious letter, Dorothy Kozeny's reaction was fully expected, what she did next, in my opinion, was not.
I thought Dorothy's journey was awesome, even the miserable aspects of travel. I felt like I was accompanying her throughout her mission. The author included a lot of folklore about Laotians which made it and the surrounding areas seem magical, despite the fact that it was previously a war zone.
The author also had so many engaging facts about Laos; the superstitions, rituals, customs, and even the every day goings on were unique and not trivial. The reader learns all about life as a wife, a child, a father, mother, monk, and a soldier. I was actually able to retain a few Laotian phrases as well.
This was not just a story about people, this book was a trip taken to a different place, an adventure. You can't help but get involved.
May 14, 2013
The Plain of Jars is an entertaining action adventure story that educates as well, with numerous segments on the history, politics and culture of Laos interspersed to supplement the events in the story. Making the story entertaining, and yet faithful to the historical context, required the author to weave a tale based on many factual events, such as the scandal at the Central Laboratory, the MIA scams, the development of the F111(the prototype 'smart' jet that spawned a new generation of high tech fighter planes), and the nature of the ground war. At the same time, an accurate and discerning picture of Laotian village life fills in the other side of the story. But most of all it is a truly incredible reading experience.
August 1, 2019
A Novel Of Epic Proportions Which Tells its Attentive Reader Why War, all War, Is Wrong -
An Excellent, Excellent, Excellent Epic Novel!
America looms large in this tragic novel which chronicles the ills of Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and even Thailand as it sweeps the mists away from our eyes and once again sets on stage an America of tragic and satanic proportions (with the Soviet Union providing warlike counter-solutions). The sufferings of innocent people and the strategic and secret genocide carried out by American troops and American-backed local soldiers make for bad but necessary reading. Buddhism figures large, as well, in “The Plain Of Jars”, and the novel moves inexorably towards its worrying but redemption-orientated conclusion. “Why worrying?” you may ask. I have just started reading a “completely different” novel called “Digging Up The Salt Mines” by Susana Aikin and the year is 1988. Nicaragua : “At the time the US government was secretly funding a counterrevolutionary war against the Sandinistas…” (page 15). After Vietnam and Laos, America was continuing its violent politics of regime change and manipulation!
Students of South East Asian history will find plenty to engross their attention and N. Lombardi Jr is an expert on innumerable aspects of Laos’ life, politics and Buddhism.
“The Plain Of Jars” is also a moving story about a mother’s love and mourning for her lost son. Only the most detached and psychopathic will fail to be touched. On other levels “The Plain Of Jars” is about hidden agendas and murderous assaults. It shows us “the most detached and psychopathic” (unable, of course, to be moved by love) are still operating and committing crimes in the name of…in the name of what? In the name of power, lust, evil, aggression and blind egoism. The outcome is outrageous! The countries which suffer invasion and the grim aftermaths of struggle, division, political crackdown, cruelty, and extreme hardship need to be considered by those of us living far from turmoil. “The Plain Of Jars” allows readers to do just that, and that is why “The Plain Of Jars” - with its ability to see into the life of wartime things - is a remarkable achievement.
Don’t be deterred by its length and occasional rambling nature. It needs reading and its goodness needs implementing.
An Excellent, Excellent, Excellent Epic Novel!
America looms large in this tragic novel which chronicles the ills of Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and even Thailand as it sweeps the mists away from our eyes and once again sets on stage an America of tragic and satanic proportions (with the Soviet Union providing warlike counter-solutions). The sufferings of innocent people and the strategic and secret genocide carried out by American troops and American-backed local soldiers make for bad but necessary reading. Buddhism figures large, as well, in “The Plain Of Jars”, and the novel moves inexorably towards its worrying but redemption-orientated conclusion. “Why worrying?” you may ask. I have just started reading a “completely different” novel called “Digging Up The Salt Mines” by Susana Aikin and the year is 1988. Nicaragua : “At the time the US government was secretly funding a counterrevolutionary war against the Sandinistas…” (page 15). After Vietnam and Laos, America was continuing its violent politics of regime change and manipulation!
Students of South East Asian history will find plenty to engross their attention and N. Lombardi Jr is an expert on innumerable aspects of Laos’ life, politics and Buddhism.
“The Plain Of Jars” is also a moving story about a mother’s love and mourning for her lost son. Only the most detached and psychopathic will fail to be touched. On other levels “The Plain Of Jars” is about hidden agendas and murderous assaults. It shows us “the most detached and psychopathic” (unable, of course, to be moved by love) are still operating and committing crimes in the name of…in the name of what? In the name of power, lust, evil, aggression and blind egoism. The outcome is outrageous! The countries which suffer invasion and the grim aftermaths of struggle, division, political crackdown, cruelty, and extreme hardship need to be considered by those of us living far from turmoil. “The Plain Of Jars” allows readers to do just that, and that is why “The Plain Of Jars” - with its ability to see into the life of wartime things - is a remarkable achievement.
Don’t be deterred by its length and occasional rambling nature. It needs reading and its goodness needs implementing.
July 6, 2019
The Review
This was a powerful and emotional story that focused on the pain and loss families feel for loved ones lost to war, the horrors many soldiers witness and are forced to become a part of during war, the injustices committed during the Vietnam War, and the struggle to let go of violence and hatred to lead a more peaceful and happy life.
While the story did a great job of showcasing both the more modern day struggle of a mother looking for her long thought dead son and the past of the son’s journey through a hellish war, his attempt to escape it, and those who ruthlessly fought to stop him, the true heart of this novel was the backdrop of Laos and the Plain of Jars themselves.
Those unfamiliar with the history of this area and site should know that during the Vietnam war, more bombs were dropped by the U.S. Military on the Plain of Jars in Laos than in the entirety of WWII, and over 80 million of these bombs remain a constant danger to the people there as they failed to detonate at the time and remain hidden in the area. This story highlighted the struggle of the people of Laos and the horrors they and the soldiers in the country bore witness to during this war. The savagery in which soldiers and operatives were trained to become monsters, and the struggle to use peace and non-violence to combat that savagery, took a major portion of this book and readers will instantly connect with the characters as a result of this particular piece of the story.
The Verdict
This was a gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, impactful and engaging read that fans will not want to miss. Author Nick Lombardi Jr. does it again with this memorable story that captures the era and history of this devastating war, and brings to life the unpleasant truths of the loss and pain it caused on both sides. In the end however, what truly stood out amongst all of this horror and heartbreak was the love and passion for which a mother fought to either find her son or at least get the truth of his passing out for the world to see. A mother’s love can be felt in every chapter of Dorothy’s tale, and makes her son Andrew’s backstory all the more powerful. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of Nick Lombardi Jr.’s novel “The Plain of Jars” today!
This was a powerful and emotional story that focused on the pain and loss families feel for loved ones lost to war, the horrors many soldiers witness and are forced to become a part of during war, the injustices committed during the Vietnam War, and the struggle to let go of violence and hatred to lead a more peaceful and happy life.
While the story did a great job of showcasing both the more modern day struggle of a mother looking for her long thought dead son and the past of the son’s journey through a hellish war, his attempt to escape it, and those who ruthlessly fought to stop him, the true heart of this novel was the backdrop of Laos and the Plain of Jars themselves.
Those unfamiliar with the history of this area and site should know that during the Vietnam war, more bombs were dropped by the U.S. Military on the Plain of Jars in Laos than in the entirety of WWII, and over 80 million of these bombs remain a constant danger to the people there as they failed to detonate at the time and remain hidden in the area. This story highlighted the struggle of the people of Laos and the horrors they and the soldiers in the country bore witness to during this war. The savagery in which soldiers and operatives were trained to become monsters, and the struggle to use peace and non-violence to combat that savagery, took a major portion of this book and readers will instantly connect with the characters as a result of this particular piece of the story.
The Verdict
This was a gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, impactful and engaging read that fans will not want to miss. Author Nick Lombardi Jr. does it again with this memorable story that captures the era and history of this devastating war, and brings to life the unpleasant truths of the loss and pain it caused on both sides. In the end however, what truly stood out amongst all of this horror and heartbreak was the love and passion for which a mother fought to either find her son or at least get the truth of his passing out for the world to see. A mother’s love can be felt in every chapter of Dorothy’s tale, and makes her son Andrew’s backstory all the more powerful. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of Nick Lombardi Jr.’s novel “The Plain of Jars” today!
June 26, 2019
Riveting!
Lombardi pens an absolutely riveting story in Plain of Jars. Two stories, and yet, both connected. I like the way the story was put together, and how well-written it was. The way the story read, this author knew the subject of the story. There is a wonderful writing style and way to lead into introducing the characters. The pace of the story was spot on, just pulling this reader in and not letting go, even in a story of this length. This story has me at the prologue. The characters had a lot of depth, and feeling, so much that it leaped off the pages. It's not a story that I will soon forget. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Lombardi pens an absolutely riveting story in Plain of Jars. Two stories, and yet, both connected. I like the way the story was put together, and how well-written it was. The way the story read, this author knew the subject of the story. There is a wonderful writing style and way to lead into introducing the characters. The pace of the story was spot on, just pulling this reader in and not letting go, even in a story of this length. This story has me at the prologue. The characters had a lot of depth, and feeling, so much that it leaped off the pages. It's not a story that I will soon forget. I look forward to reading more by this author.
January 6, 2018
Beautiful, heartbreaking, and based in truth
One of my favorite books in a while. Two stories told in tandem that keep you in the edge of your seat. The descriptions of Thailand and Laos painted an incredibly vivid and luminous picture of Southeast Asia. It’s clear that Lombardi knows the region well. As an American author who spent so much time living in this region, It shows.
Above the romantic scenery, what this book brings up about the moral conflicts of war and what that does to those that fight in it makes this book incredibly relevant today and an important read.
One of my favorite books in a while. Two stories told in tandem that keep you in the edge of your seat. The descriptions of Thailand and Laos painted an incredibly vivid and luminous picture of Southeast Asia. It’s clear that Lombardi knows the region well. As an American author who spent so much time living in this region, It shows.
Above the romantic scenery, what this book brings up about the moral conflicts of war and what that does to those that fight in it makes this book incredibly relevant today and an important read.
March 11, 2019
Amazing. I am still engulfed in this overwhelming search for the truth and meaning of life.
March 11, 2017
I found the subject matter interesting especially because there are not that many books on Laos. The format of the book was very disjointed and hard to follow which made for frustrating reading.
May 22, 2013
This novel is excellently written with numerous twists, turns, and great historical lessons. From cover to cover, I was engaged with this book. Great character development and visual depictions. I was most impressed with how all separate characters and their stories tie together beautifully in the end. Although it's a longer read, I've never read a novel as quickly as I've read Plain of Jars. A week after I've read this book and it's still constantly on my mind.
December 31, 2013
I won this book via Goodreads Firstreads and have just finished reading it over the holiday period. I loved every page -it was moving, interesting and informative. The pages turned by themselves as I was so engrossed in the story.I would absolutely recommend this novel.
February 28, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I loved the book and the characters. It was full of action and it really kept me guessing. There was a bit of bad language and some graphic descriptions of violence, so be warned.
November 18, 2013
Good book club book. We all agreed it could have been much shorter. The descriptions were great but at times excessively detailed.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews