There have been hundreds, if not thousands, of books written about the Vietnam War: memoirs, histories, works of journalism, and novels presenting perspectives from soldiers, civilians, and leaders on all sides. These books reveal the war’s contested legacy, geopolitical impact, and enduring lessons about valor, sacrifice, and reconciliation. THE LAST SOUTHERN LAOS BATTLE PRISONER OF WAR is one person’s story, providing another detailed perspective on the individual human cost of the conflict.
Buu Tu Chung was a Special Operations helicopter pilot during the war. After being shot down over Laos in 1971, he was captured by North Vietnamese forces and held in the harsh POW camps of North Vietnam. Refusing to cooperate with the Communists, he received a life sentence. During his imprisonment, he turned to the Bible for comfort and inspiration. His spirit never broke, and he eventually earned the respect of his captors. After 14 years, he was finally released and returned to his waiting family.
For scholars of the Vietnam War, THE LAST SOUTHERN LAOS BATTLE PRISONER OF WAR is an incredibly detailed memoir from an active participant. It contains recollections of key battles and their impact on the country at the time. Chung also examines the politics of the conflict, its role as a Cold War proxy battleground, and the geopolitical maneuvers of Russia, China, and the United States—which used Vietnam as their chessboard, civilians and soldiers as their pawns. The book provides numerous personal photographs and documents, allowing an intimate insider’s view of a turning point in modern history.
Like many autobiographical works of this kind, there are many extraneous details about day-to-day events that more casual readers may find unnecessary. In striving for accuracy, Chung forgoes narrative flourishes and dramatic effects, instead providing a detailed, blow-by-blow account of his experiences. His prose style is straightforward and valuable as a historical record, though it often lacks the pace that a more general readership may expect. That said, the extraordinary circumstances of his lengthy imprisonment are compelling enough to keep readers engaged until the relief of his eventual release.
The son of a Christian pastor, Chung places his religious faith at the heart of his story. It is the source of the strength that allowed him to survive his incarceration. For all of the memoir’s insights into the war, perhaps this is its greatest takeaway: THE LAST SOUTHERN LAOS BATTLE PRISONER OF WAR is about faith in adversity and how that faith can help overcome even the greatest hardships. Ultimately, this is a powerful personal story of resilience that will reward those who stick with it.
Buu Tu Chung's THE LAST SOUTHERN LAOS BATTLE PRISONER OF WAR offers valuable historical insight as an honest memoir of the Vietnam War and its aftermath. Though its dense, detailed style will be a boon to Vietnam War scholars, it may put off more casual readers.
—Kent Lane for IndieReader