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

[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.

[Bob P]

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...

[Chris Macy]

Oh, and do not take me for a wimp. I served. It just makes me so mad....yet that is life. Lets get mad about our broken sofa or that the History Channel sucks now....naw, these are trite little things...

[Chris Macy]

An awesome book....moved me and pissed my dad off. WHy.....

[Evan Wright]

I found Marlantes telling his story in a documentary. Have a listen at 17:01 in /watch?v=JR9eYg75eo0&feature=r­elmfu

[Chris Macy]

As a 90s kid. We grew up in a very....i do not even know how to put it. In a magic land..."do what ever you want." BS. Reading this was somthing else. Great writting and....just great! I am lucky. I live next to my dad. We have coffee before work...and we talk a lot about this book and era...as we look over the land we own and work hard to perserve. But what these kids were ordered to do tears us both up. And makes us angry.

[martin1226]

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!