tree_of_smoke_johnson
2009 Longlist

Tree of Smoke

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ABOUT
THE BOOK

This is the story of Skip Sands—spy-in-training, engaged in Psychological Operations against the Vietcong—and the disasters that befall him thanks to his famous uncle, a war hero known in intelligence circles simply as the Colonel. This is also the story of the Houston brothers, Bill and James, young men who drift out of the Arizona desert into a war in which the line between disinformation and delusion has blurred away. In its vision of human folly, and its gritty, sympathetic portraits of men and women desperate for an end to their loneliness, whether in sex or death or by the grace of God, this is a story like nothing in our literature.

Tree of Smoke is Denis Johnson’s first full-length novel in nine years, and his most gripping, beautiful, and powerful work to date.

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR Denis
Johnson

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NOMINATING LIBRARY COMMENTS

A remarkable novel of several intertwining lives during the Vietnam War. Some of the characters start off bright and eager others have weathered a few storms, what is left is emotionally resounding shattered lives and lost chances.

Novel depicts Vietnam; it’s brutality and the military efforts affected by the politics of war. Colourful dialogue and well-researched details into history make this a gripping addition to literature.
Sympathetic descriptions of ordinary people connected to the Vietnam War this story is a compelling read.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Country
United States
Original Language
English
Author
Publisher
Farrar

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