Vietnam I'm Going !

Main Themes and Topics

"Vietnam - I'm Going!" by Linda S. Earls offers an intimate look into the life of a young Women's Army Corps (WAC) officer during the Vietnam War. The main themes of the book revolve around duty, patriotism, and the stark realities of war. Linda S. Earls provides a personal narrative that captures both the mundane and the extraordinary aspects of military life in a combat zone. From the challenge of adapting to the oppressive heat and persistent bugs to the nerve-wracking reality of incoming rocket attacks, the book paints a vivid picture of her experiences. It highlights the dichotomy of a soldier's life – one filled with both arduous challenges and moments of camaraderie and purpose.

Writing Style and Tone

Earls adopts a direct and candid writing style, serving to immerse the reader fully into her world. The book stands out for its use of letters written to her mother, presented in their unaltered form. This epistolary approach provides authenticity and emotional depth, giving readers a genuine sense of her voice, feelings, and reflections. The tone remains mostly positive, underscoring the author's volunteerism and unwavering commitment to her service. Despite the numerous hardships depicted, there is a sense of optimism and resilience that pervades throughout the narrative, capturing the author's determination to serve her country.

Brief Summary (no spoilers)

"Vietnam - I'm Going!" begins with Linda S. Earls' enthusiasm upon receiving her deployment orders to Vietnam, a pivotal moment that marks the start of her journey. The narrative covers her year-long assignment, offering readers detailed insights into her daily life in a combat zone. Through a series of letters to her mother, Earls recounts everything from the scarcity of clean towels to the tense nights spent in bunkers under threat from enemy rockets. She shares vivid scenes of "chopper" rides and the persistent struggle with the elements – heat, red mud, and ubiquitous insects. The memoir provides not just a glimpse of military operations but also her observations from an office window, offering a unique civilian viewpoint on the Vietnam War experience.