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Goodbye Vietnam
In this “essential” memoir, a former marine returns to Vietnam years later to try to make sense of the war (Anthony Swofford, author of Jarhead). When William Broyles Jr. was drafted, he was a twenty-four-year-old student at Oxford University in England, hoping to avoid military service. During his physical exam, however, he realized that he couldn’t let social class or education give him special privileges. He joined the marines, and soon commanded an infantry platoon in the foothills near Da Nang. More than a decade later, Broyles found himself flooded with emotion during the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. He decided to return to Vietnam and confront what he’d been through. Broyles was one of the very first combat veterans to return to the battlefields. No American before or since has gone so deeply into the other side of the the enemy side. Broyles interviews dozens of Vietnamese, from the generals who ran the war to the men and women who fought it. He moves from the corridors of power in Hanoi—so low-tech that the plumbing didn’t work—to the jungles and rice paddies where he’d fought. He meets survivors of American B-52 strikes and My Lai, and grieves with a woman whose son was killed by his own platoon. Along the way, Broyles also explores the deep bonds he shared with his own comrades, and the mystery of why men love war even as they hate it. Amidst the landscape of death, his formerly faceless enemies come to life. They had once tried to kill each other, but they are all brothers now. Previously published as Brothers in Arms, this edition includes a new preface by the author.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
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About the author
William Broyles Jr.
15 books16 followersWilliam Dodson Broyles, Jr. is an American screenwriter, who has worked on the television series China Beach (1988–1991), and the films Apollo 13 (1995), Cast Away (2000), Entrapment (1999), Planet of the Apes (2001), Unfaithful (2002), The Polar Express (2004), and Jarhead (2005).
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 25, 2018
A short, mostly satisfying read but, alas ... having not read it until 2018, it very much felt like a period piece. I can't say it's one of my favorite Vietnam books, but it was well worth reading, and it felt quite genuine.
My hat's off to Broyles for, in the 1980's, being part of the vanguard of vets that returned to Vietnam, and ... given how often vets visit today ... in that context, the book is all the more jarring.
Having said that - and again, this is all about timing - Broyles returned to Vietnam literally decades before I visited (for the first time), and while (over two trips) I covered much of the same ground, the country is a very different place today -- in terms of government, economy, transportation, accessibility, tourism, industry, etc. (Of course - and this is no small thing - I never served in Vietnam and ... while my father was there (earlier, further South, and as a more senior officer than Broyles) ... I can't compare his combat/service experiences....) I can say that - when my father returned to Vietnam (the first and only time - during my first trip), his experience had little or nothing in common with Broyles' experience, even though we trod many of the same paths. (But, of course, that's context - and it takes nothing away from the book.)
After a couple of visits, my sense (today) is that Vietnam is one of the great tourist values on the planet - the countryside is beautiful, the area is rich in history (not all of it pleasant), the food is exquisite/delicious, and the higher end hotels/resorts are simply splendid. But the one thing that does not appear to have changed - and what seems to Broyles to have been the biggest surprise or eye-opener - is that the Vietnamese are incredibly kind and gracious and welcoming hosts to American veterans and tourists (which still seems counter-intuitive, but it is what it is).
Broyles is obviously a thoughtful observer and commentator - and his prose, for the most part, is efficient, clear, and evocative. (No doubt, it was a hard book to write, and, accordingly, it's easy to forgive his periodic excesses and dramatic turns/detours/digressions.) Moreover, this was a very different slice of his life. Decades ago, my image of Broyles was dominated by his being a Rice University alumni and having been the founding editor of Texas Monthly magazine -- and I never really thought of him as a TV and film guy -- but, in any event, this book puts his life and work in a very different perspective.
Particularly given how slender the volume is and how quickly/easily it reads, I recommend it without hesitation. Let's be clear: this is, in almost every way, the antithesis of Karl Marlantes' more modern and popular (and, while thinly veiled, fictional) tomb, Matterhorn. Having said that, I was struck by how much Broyles and Marlantes had in common when they arrived in Vietnam, but how dramatically their lives diverged upon their return. But that's a topic for another day.
My hat's off to Broyles for, in the 1980's, being part of the vanguard of vets that returned to Vietnam, and ... given how often vets visit today ... in that context, the book is all the more jarring.
Having said that - and again, this is all about timing - Broyles returned to Vietnam literally decades before I visited (for the first time), and while (over two trips) I covered much of the same ground, the country is a very different place today -- in terms of government, economy, transportation, accessibility, tourism, industry, etc. (Of course - and this is no small thing - I never served in Vietnam and ... while my father was there (earlier, further South, and as a more senior officer than Broyles) ... I can't compare his combat/service experiences....) I can say that - when my father returned to Vietnam (the first and only time - during my first trip), his experience had little or nothing in common with Broyles' experience, even though we trod many of the same paths. (But, of course, that's context - and it takes nothing away from the book.)
After a couple of visits, my sense (today) is that Vietnam is one of the great tourist values on the planet - the countryside is beautiful, the area is rich in history (not all of it pleasant), the food is exquisite/delicious, and the higher end hotels/resorts are simply splendid. But the one thing that does not appear to have changed - and what seems to Broyles to have been the biggest surprise or eye-opener - is that the Vietnamese are incredibly kind and gracious and welcoming hosts to American veterans and tourists (which still seems counter-intuitive, but it is what it is).
Broyles is obviously a thoughtful observer and commentator - and his prose, for the most part, is efficient, clear, and evocative. (No doubt, it was a hard book to write, and, accordingly, it's easy to forgive his periodic excesses and dramatic turns/detours/digressions.) Moreover, this was a very different slice of his life. Decades ago, my image of Broyles was dominated by his being a Rice University alumni and having been the founding editor of Texas Monthly magazine -- and I never really thought of him as a TV and film guy -- but, in any event, this book puts his life and work in a very different perspective.
Particularly given how slender the volume is and how quickly/easily it reads, I recommend it without hesitation. Let's be clear: this is, in almost every way, the antithesis of Karl Marlantes' more modern and popular (and, while thinly veiled, fictional) tomb, Matterhorn. Having said that, I was struck by how much Broyles and Marlantes had in common when they arrived in Vietnam, but how dramatically their lives diverged upon their return. But that's a topic for another day.
November 4, 2017
This is an interesting, quick-reading book about a tragic period in American history. The author fought in Vietnam, and then went back in 1984 to find peace for himself. Therein lies part of the problem. What might have been true nine years after that last helicopter evacuated Vietnam is not necessarily true some thirty years later. As the Vietnamese kept saying, "Life goes on." Tourists now explore the tunnels and the battlefields where so much killing occurred. There are fine hotels in Hanoi which cater to former 'enemies'. What the author saw and did while in Vietnam for that month has faded into into history.
He learned much from his former enemies, more, I suspect, than what they learned from him. The author acknowledged the atrocities on the part of the Americans such as My Lai, but those he interviewed denied their own. It must have been frustrating, but he seemed to handle it well. In fact, he referred to his former enemies as 'his brothers' in the final sentence of the book. Perhaps that is true, but I will admit that I felt they were telling him what he wanted to hear. After all, they did win, and had achieved their independence. They could afford to placate a man who had come so far to find himself.
He learned much from his former enemies, more, I suspect, than what they learned from him. The author acknowledged the atrocities on the part of the Americans such as My Lai, but those he interviewed denied their own. It must have been frustrating, but he seemed to handle it well. In fact, he referred to his former enemies as 'his brothers' in the final sentence of the book. Perhaps that is true, but I will admit that I felt they were telling him what he wanted to hear. After all, they did win, and had achieved their independence. They could afford to placate a man who had come so far to find himself.
May 30, 2025
Hard to put down!
I was a Marine infantry platoon commander and served in Vietnam from February’68-March’69 in the area just south of Marble Mountain plus a major operation(“Allenbrook”) on Go Noi Island. Although I would quibble with a few details this story hit home and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I was a Marine infantry platoon commander and served in Vietnam from February’68-March’69 in the area just south of Marble Mountain plus a major operation(“Allenbrook”) on Go Noi Island. Although I would quibble with a few details this story hit home and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
February 10, 2018
Very interesting read about the effects and aftermath of the Vietnam war. It takes a brave person to return to Vietnam not long after fighting there to meet and talk with the former enemy. Provides interesting insight into Vietnamese culture as well.
June 18, 2017
This book was previously published as “Brothers in Arms”. Broyles, who was studying in Oxford was drafted and decided to go into the Marines. He went of officer school and became a lieutenant leading a platoon into combat in Vietnam in 1971. He returned in 1984 and spent a month traveling the country, visiting from Hanoi to Saigon. He interviewed many NVA and Viet Cong vets as well as some high ranking U.S. general. Although many of the Vietnamese soldiers are delusional about certain aspects of the war, it is clear that they had a clear goal, unifying their country, that we lacked and it allowed them to fight on under incredible conditions that have to be admired. Where ever he went, the locals embraced him and seemed to want to put the war behind them although they were proud of their achievement. Broyles makes astute observations about our side of the war. We had no clear goal as a nation and our incredible young soldiers (avg age 19 vs 26 in WWII) often had only one goal and that is to stay alive and get out of there. The Vietnamese were amazed at our rotation system that transferred soldiers out after a year, which was the time needed to understand even the basics of the jungle war. Politics trumped strategy and our leaders made up news they thought our political leaders wanted to here. As he tours the rusting wreckage left behind we get a glimpse of the incredible material waste of the war, and of course the human waste for us and for them is incalculable. Have we learned anything from this disaster? Take a look at our wars in the mid east and take a guess. I give this book, which is well written and engaging, five stars primarily becasue I think any American who is allowed to vote should read it.
April 7, 2013
If you only read one book about the Vietnam experience make it “Goodbye Vietnam”. Author and Marine Corps veteran William Broyles has created a narrative that allows the reader to be transferred back in time and experience the sensation of walking in the boots of young Marines. Taking that journey back in time will afford the reader an opportunity to understand the many levels of conflicts young warriors and the country they represented were required to combat.
Broyles is able to captivatedly tell the story of Marines in combat by entwining his experiences in Vietnam with the discoveries he makes on his return visit to the country that forced him to reconcile with his past and choose the path of his future. Along the way we are treated to a roller caster ride of emotion that ranges from laughter to tears of remembrance, leaving the reader at the end of the ride a deeper understanding of the enduring expense of war.
Jeff Hiers
Broyles is able to captivatedly tell the story of Marines in combat by entwining his experiences in Vietnam with the discoveries he makes on his return visit to the country that forced him to reconcile with his past and choose the path of his future. Along the way we are treated to a roller caster ride of emotion that ranges from laughter to tears of remembrance, leaving the reader at the end of the ride a deeper understanding of the enduring expense of war.
Jeff Hiers
June 14, 2017
Opinion Unchanged
It was good to read a fellow Marines narrative on his return to Vietnam. After reading the book I don't believe I share the same beliefs as he. I do find that I am more in line with the feelings of the Vietnamese veterans, "time to move on and forgive." Of course that is my opinion now in 2017. Ten years after returning home I wasn't as forgiving. It hurt to return to the states and be so isolated as an "enemy" for just believing you had done the correct thing. Even now when you look at what the media would have us believe I wonder why we are not expected to help other peoples to be safe and secure in their homeland.
Thank you Mr. Broyles for taking the time and struggle for writing this book and for going "back" to Vietnam. And thanks for your service. You were correct, if you were there, you have an inner peace with the "detail" of your tour.
It was good to read a fellow Marines narrative on his return to Vietnam. After reading the book I don't believe I share the same beliefs as he. I do find that I am more in line with the feelings of the Vietnamese veterans, "time to move on and forgive." Of course that is my opinion now in 2017. Ten years after returning home I wasn't as forgiving. It hurt to return to the states and be so isolated as an "enemy" for just believing you had done the correct thing. Even now when you look at what the media would have us believe I wonder why we are not expected to help other peoples to be safe and secure in their homeland.
Thank you Mr. Broyles for taking the time and struggle for writing this book and for going "back" to Vietnam. And thanks for your service. You were correct, if you were there, you have an inner peace with the "detail" of your tour.
July 8, 2017
I have read a lot of books regarding Viet Nam regarding times before, during and after US involvement in that country. My interest is based on my active duty service from 66' thru 69' and personal opinions based upon that. I was a "REMF" (you will have to read the book to find out what that means if you can't guess it). This unequivocally is the most real and best book I have come across. The author paints a realistic picture of his time in the "Circus". We have the best government on the face of this planet but we are certainly not perfect. Choices made by people in power typify that fact. I could go on and on about the superior quality of this author and his book but suffice it to say: It is a very good book. Read it.
February 22, 2024
This is an extraordinary memoir. Broyles went to war - voluntarily leaving university to do so - and spent 6 months as a front line lieutenant leading a platoon engaged in jungle and tunnel combat. Then he was rotated back and discharged.
Attending the inauguration of the Vietnam Memorial, he found he had a hole that needed filling. He returned to Vietnam to talk to the generals, the soldiers he tried to kill and who tried to kill him, and the unfortunate civilians who were caught in the crossfire.
Candid, honest, and in many ways bold, this is a very well written personal memoir of the war. And unusually it is from both sides. If you want to understand modern warfare it is a must-read.
Attending the inauguration of the Vietnam Memorial, he found he had a hole that needed filling. He returned to Vietnam to talk to the generals, the soldiers he tried to kill and who tried to kill him, and the unfortunate civilians who were caught in the crossfire.
Candid, honest, and in many ways bold, this is a very well written personal memoir of the war. And unusually it is from both sides. If you want to understand modern warfare it is a must-read.
July 19, 2017
Brilliant
Finally, a book about the Vietnam War that is objective. William Broyles tells why and h the U.S. lost the war, but he does not disparage those who faught it. The key--the V C and NVA were fighting on their homeland, and had been for over twenty years. Our troops, by and large, fought for one year and then went home.
Finally, a book about the Vietnam War that is objective. William Broyles tells why and h the U.S. lost the war, but he does not disparage those who faught it. The key--the V C and NVA were fighting on their homeland, and had been for over twenty years. Our troops, by and large, fought for one year and then went home.
September 2, 2017
One man's return and farewell to Vietnam
William Broyles was a combat Marine lieutenant in 1969 in Vietnam whose trip back to the country 15 years later serves both to describe his memories of that year, but also to lay to rest the remaining bad dreams of the time.
The memoir is well-written and interesting. It is a good addition to any shelf of books on the Vietnam war.
William Broyles was a combat Marine lieutenant in 1969 in Vietnam whose trip back to the country 15 years later serves both to describe his memories of that year, but also to lay to rest the remaining bad dreams of the time.
The memoir is well-written and interesting. It is a good addition to any shelf of books on the Vietnam war.
July 15, 2020
This was a good book. It did feel outdated as so much has changed in Vietnam. The author did do a good job telling his story and I did learn some. I think that in today's environment this was a good reminder to "walk in someone else's shoes", to look "at the other side of the story". A good reminder to put your differences behind you and work towards a better future. Overall, 3.5 stars.
May 27, 2025
Had written a review but lost it! In short, an enjoyable read and one that helps us explore how war is shaped by emotion and experience rather than fact.
That being said, it was published some 40 years ago and does have subtle hints of orientalism and can appear patronising - which is all the more frustrating as the book was trying to subvert the power dynamics
That being said, it was published some 40 years ago and does have subtle hints of orientalism and can appear patronising - which is all the more frustrating as the book was trying to subvert the power dynamics
May 31, 2017
This book surprised me
I had hoped as a teenager during the Vietnam War, to learn more from a veterans stand. I was surprised and did learn so much. I give thanks to the author , And would highly recommend this book to. All ,!
I had hoped as a teenager during the Vietnam War, to learn more from a veterans stand. I was surprised and did learn so much. I give thanks to the author , And would highly recommend this book to. All ,!
June 30, 2017
He said it all!
August 10, 2017
An old book written by a man visiting Vietnam in 1984 after the war. A good look at war, that war and many of those who went through it. When will we ever learn?
November 6, 2017
We didn’t learn
I liked the view of the war during the author’s time there contrasted with what he saw when he returned as a civilian in 1984.
I liked the view of the war during the author’s time there contrasted with what he saw when he returned as a civilian in 1984.
February 1, 2018
A must read
Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into this book. After decades of confused feelings, I see the light. Heartbreaking and heartfelt.
Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into this book. After decades of confused feelings, I see the light. Heartbreaking and heartfelt.
December 28, 2018
First Rate
Well written, very interesting and worth the time. Mixed quite nicely past history with current state of mind about his experience.
Well written, very interesting and worth the time. Mixed quite nicely past history with current state of mind about his experience.
October 4, 2019
A most interesting book and plenty of insights as to the Vietnam War from the perspective of a returned American Vet and Vietnamese.
March 11, 2022
More about reflection of one person's view. Felt it was a little weak with gaps filled with ramblings.
November 10, 2022
I read this in the early days of my first visit to Vietnam. Given the pace of change, the three "Vietnams" that he describes sound remote from the Vietnam today. Broyles's impression of a staid, grey and destitute Hanoi in 1984 could not possibly be more different than the vibrant, energetic city that we spent a couple of weeks in.
Still, as a period piece, there is some fine writing here and I appreciated his honestly in revisting the prejudices and assumptions that drove American actions in the devastating war that drove his first "visit". While some of his thoughts on the modernising nation are dated, the book retains value as a cautionary tale on the perils of American imperialism.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2
Still, as a period piece, there is some fine writing here and I appreciated his honestly in revisting the prejudices and assumptions that drove American actions in the devastating war that drove his first "visit". While some of his thoughts on the modernising nation are dated, the book retains value as a cautionary tale on the perils of American imperialism.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2
February 8, 2017
Nie zawiodłem się - książka jest bardzo dobra. Nie ma tu krwawych opisów wojny, jest za to próba zrozumienia sensu wysyłania młodych chłopaków na drugi koniec świata, aby walczyli... no właśnie, nie do końca wiadomo o co. Broyles rozmawiając z bojownikami Wietkongu oraz byłymi oficerami armii wietnamskiej próbuje też zrozumieć motywacje drugiej strony. Nie pogardza (jak czyni to wielu) chłopami w łachmanach - w jakimś stopniu podziwia ich twardość i determinację. No cóż, w ostatecznym rozrachunku to właśnie ci łachmaniarze z zaostrzonymi kijkami pogonili największą armię świata. OK, wiem, że nieco upraszczam, ale...
Tak czy inaczej - polecam. Doskonała i mądra książka.
Tak czy inaczej - polecam. Doskonała i mądra książka.
December 22, 2018
I found the book quite enjoyable and humorous at times. While it set in 1984, I can relate to certain characteristics of the Vietnamese as I am living here and married to one.
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