Books like Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson
In *Tree of Smoke*, Denis Johnson delivers a sweeping look at the Vietnam War through the eyes of Skip Sands, a CIA officer in the psychological operations division, and his larger‑than‑life uncle, Colonel Sands. The novel takes readers across Southeast Asia and back to the United States, illustrating how the war erodes clear distinctions between allies and adversaries. Johnson’s narrative weaves the perspective of both Vietnamese and American participants, revealing the myth‑making nature of conflict.
Spanning thirty years, the book’s 700+ pages explore the psychological toll of war and the complexities of identity in a time of upheaval. Johnson’s lyrical prose and unflinching honesty establish *Tree of Smoke* as a landmark American work on the Vietnam experience.
First publish date: 2007
Genre: Historical Fiction/20th Century Historical Fiction
Authors: Denis Johnson
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