Review: Compelling and multi-faceted Vietnam tale
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 9, 2013
Year of the Monkey was a thoroughly engrossing read. Russell Payne is an army journalist who never has the Vietnam bush experience firsthand.  Willingham comes into the picture and changes everything.  Coming from very different experiences in Vietnam, these two characters really need to decide who they can trust.  This book offers a unique perspective as to the dangers not only in the jungles during the war but also the political and personal dramas that are not often the focus of war stories.  Year of the Monkey also explores the relationship between the American troops and the Vietnamese who have been affected by war for years.  It begs the question of who is the good guy and who is the bad guy and can that distinction even be made.  This book makes it apparent that the only threat for GIs is not necessarily from the VC, but potentially from the CIA and their own personal demons from the past.  Highly recommended read.*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my review*