A Book Review from the U.K.

Those who have read the book have seen a photograph of Thu Trung Van, myself, and Gordon Johnston on the Vinh Te Canal. (p.221)

Gordon is an old friend from the U.K. and accompanied Thu and I on our trip back to the Mekong Delta in 2010.  Though not an American, Gordon was moved by the history of the trip and the opportunity he had of comparing Vietnam today to the war years of 1969 and 1970.  Here is what he recently wrote:

“Hello Rolando,

Just to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed your book.  For me it brought back memories of our interesting trip to Vietnam.  I can appreciate that for you the experience must have been much more intense. 

Congratulations on a successful project! 

Gordon”

His comments caused me to reflect that though we often refer to books that we like as having “enjoyed” them, it is difficult to “enjoy” this book in the conventional meaning of that term.  There are a lot of sad stories in it, which can make enjoyment difficult.  

In response to his email, I said that one of my hopes in writing the book was that the reader better understand and appreciate what the 1960’s and 70’s were like living in the United States during the Vietnam War.  If I could convey accurately and with some passion the lives and deaths of some friends I knew, along with an analysis of the war I experienced as an observer and participant, then I would view the writing as worthwhile and meaningful.  

In other words, if those who read the book “enjoy” it in the sense of developing a better understanding of what the Vietnam War was all about and what it was like for those who participated in it or were affected by it… that would fulfill my expectations and hopes were in writing it.

Rolland Kidder / author

Jamestown Naval Reserve Chiefs' and Officers' Mess

AUTHOR'S NOTE:  On May 31, 2014, I was privileged to address the annual dinner of this organization.  Forty years ago, after returning from active duty in Vietnam, I drilled at the Jamestown Naval Reserve Center.  In those days, we required to stay involved in the reserves for about three years upon conclusion of our active duty commitment.

Though this Reserve Center has been closed now for over ten years, those who became friends during the days it was open, continue to meet annually through what is called the “Chiefs’ and Officers’ Mess.”   Last Saturday night I spoke to the group about the book Backtracking in Brown Water.

I received a wonderful reception and also renewed some old friendships.  It has always amazed me how common experiences serving in the military live on in organizations like this.  It is a tribute to a camaraderie which develops and which is not easily explained unless you were a part of it.

Rolland Kidder