Memories Time Can't Heal: A Vietnam War Novel

by James Quinnett

Because Memories Time Can’t Heal is written as a memoir, the incidents remembered are generally unrelated to one another. As a result, it can read in a slightly choppy manner. Even with that minor flaw, the story told is captivating. Other than that, there is not much that can be criticized about the work James Quinnett has produced here. It should be noted, though, that there is profanity, some sexual content, and many incidents of violence. With that being said, none of these are present to the extent of making it difficult to read, even for a sensitive reader.

Running low on negative facets, this book overflows with positive aspects. One can love this read because the chapters are so short that they make the entire book feel shorter, the attention to detail gives exceptional insight into the lives of soldiers, and the witty tone utilized herein makes a heavy situation a little easier to digest. For all these reasons, and many others, if you enjoy period pieces or war reads you should treat yourself to this book as it is likely to give you more than what you expect.

Many books that tell war stories tend to just give readers gore but the subtlety employed here is genius. Quinnett knew exactly when to give details and which details to share. As a result, even when told about the guy who got shot in all four limbs and his abdomen or the one who was scattered to pieces by a grenade, one does not feel so repulsed that they have to close the book. Instead, Quinnett pulls the reader further into the story to the point that even the small matters like how cigarettes are held or how food is prepared are engrossing. So go ahead and treat yourself to this Vietnam War novel!

Reviewed Reitumetse Mokoena

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2024

Reviews

[AR bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling first-hand account as Historic Fiction of the experience of a U.S. line infantryman in Vietnam.

This book is not pretty, and is definitely coarse and direct at times, but it’s more true to real conditions than a glorified movie story.

This is a tale that should be told before a whole generation drifts away.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished MEMORIES TIME CAN'T HEAL: A VIETNAM WAR NOVEL by my friend and former colleague, Jim Quinnett. The novel, not as artsy-schmarzty as Tim O'Brien's THE THINGS THEY CARRIED, is a gritty, first-person narrative of a draftee's tour of duty in Vietnam. The book reminded me some of Eugene Sledge's WITH THE OLD BREED in describing the psychological toll of war's random violence. Quinnett writes in a brief foreword that the book is entirely fictional. That said, I'm also reminded of O'Brien's observation that sometimes fiction is necessary to convey truths that can't be expressed through first-hand narratives. I think the same can be said of MEMORIES. I enjoyed reading it and give it a thumbs-up recommendation.