Karl Marlantes: On Writing Matterhorn for 30 Years

After returning from Vietnam, Karl Marlantes spent thirty years working on a novel based on his experience. Here he recalls two memories that helped him persist.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Karl Marlantes
• Matterhorn
• Grove Atlantic Publishers
• Morgan Entrekin
• Vietnam
• war novels
• fiction
• authors
• interviews

[DF0302]

One of the best books I've ever read. Its not just about the Marines and Vietnam but about how America was 40 years ago.

[palonejr]

This is the best book I have ever read on the Vietnam War.

Whether it be Marines or Army.

It was the same.

This is not really fictional.

Were still on patrol.

Thanks

Bobby...

[martin1226]

@dodadagohuhsgi Thank you for your service, and if you are okay with me calling it this, your sacrifice. My uncle was lost over there. He was a Slick pilot, shot down & KIA on a "routine" medevac in 1970 along with his co-pilot. He too had two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. It's gettin' dusty in here, take care. The book is exceptional in every way.

[Leinster4life13]

brilliant book

[ImJorrit]

I got it for my birthday and I was so happy with it. I'm now halfway and liked it so much that I looked it up on YouTube.:)

[Shadsternz]

Awesome book - one of the best I have ever read.

[dodadagohuhsgi]

I hold the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge from Vietnam. "Welcome home," Karl, and many thanks for your service. I'll definitely be buying "Matterhorn" for Christmas!!--Tom Reilly

[cleitevieira]

In one word: exceptional!

[antiestablisher]

I finished the book today, I have PTSD. This book is one of the best books I have read. Tells it like it was. Thank you

[Wolfenheiser]

I just finished this book. I'm not in the service and I'm way too young to have served in anything before 2004, but I found the book inspiring and emotionally moving.

All I can say is, thanks to all who served. I'm sorry about the horrors you experienced there. Mr. Marlantes, thanks for writing this.

[twocam]

I am a Vietnam Marine. I've had guys occasionally say they didn't serve and missed that war. I tell them they didn't miss a damn thing. Read Karl Malantes book and you will understand why.

Thanks, Karl.