This novel captivates me amazingly down to the last page.

The narrative structure of

this novel is complex with different back-and-forth subplots between the timelines,
which requires some concentration on this book. However, it remains an exquisite
story of a soldier’s deep reflection upon his past, his interactions with others around
him, and explores his journey of self-definition in life as well as the impact of the
Vietnam war on himself and his country. The author’s imagery is powerful and
resonant with a notably romantic style that is offset by painstaking composition and
undeniable realism. Another excellent feature of this book is Ninh's brilliant and
effective use of similes, metaphors, and metonymies to enliven the reading experience
of others.

Frankly, this is an unputdownable book for peace-loving people from all over the
world, and it can be a reliable source of reference to every history textbook. Not only
does this book bring back a nostalgic feeling to a blazing time that passed to those
partaking in the Vietnam war but it also provides readers with a perceptive insight into
an acerbic war over the course of history.

Despite being Bao Ninh’s first novel ever, “The sorrow of war” is without a doubt his
chef-d'oeuvre, indubitably worthy of international recognition.

Being different from other sentimental novel inspired by war, “The sorrow of war''
show its distinctive path along the genre, in which melancholically demonstrates a
non-heroic storyline that gives a strikingly honest look to Vietnam War when a small
yet united nation lurch from invasions to invasions, where every individuals,
especially soldiers, were given their trials of ideology and love, in which many choose
to sacrifice