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| Fields of Fire | 
 enlarge | Author: James Webb
Publisher: Bantam
Category: Book
List Price: $7.99
Buy New: $3.89
You Save: $4.10 (51%)
New (32) Used (18) Collectible (1) from $3.88
Avg. Customer Rating:  91 reviews
Sales Rank: 5774
Media: Mass Market Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 496
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 6.9 x 4.1 x 1.1
ISBN: 0553583859
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780553583854
ASIN: 0553583859
Publication Date: August 28, 2001
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: GREAT BUY!Brand New From US Distributor! WE ARE A 5 STAR SELLER with OVER 3,500,000 BOOKS SOLD!!! OVER ~ 600,000 FEEDBACKS ~ POSTED!!!
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| Customer Reviews:
A reflection on today's political leaders February 9, 2001
20 out of 24 found this review helpful
This book is one of the Top 10 best war novels of all time. Webb's experience as a platoon commander in Vietnam makes him expertly qualified to comment on the gap that existed between the "haves" and the "have-nots." His combat experiences are thinly veiled through the eyes of LT Hodges, a main character in the novel. The enlisted Marines in this book are based on the farmers, coal miners, drop-outs, immigrants and the lower class in general who fought and died in the war. The quote at the beginning of the book, from a General to a war correspondant, accurately depicts the gap in society that was created by LBJ's draft laws. The draft laws were full of loopholes that the middle and upper class were only too eager to exploit. Webb uses "Senator" Goodrich, an Ivy League dropout and a disabled infatryman, as an anti-hero to explain the war to the privilaged few who decided to protest the war from thousands of miles away. His epic quote of " How many of you are going to get hurt in Vietnam? I didn't see any of you in Vietnam. I saw dudes, man. Dudes. And truck drivers and coal miners and farmers. I didn't see you. Where were you? Flunking your draft physicals? What do you care if it ends? You won't get hurt." to a peace rally at Harvard is one the most gripping paragraphs in context of the civilian protests of the Vietnam War. Webb has shown that the college students, the draft dodgers and the morally weak deserted the country in it's time of need. The United States used the underprivaleged to fight a stupid war. How would the war have turned out if a few senator's sons, or a few sons of prominent businessmen were KIA in Vietnam? How many lives could have been saved if this occurred? As Mr. Goodrich eloquently states in the novel," These people have no sense of country. They have no sense of obligation. Well, so be it. If they are willing to accept the benefits of this society- such as a Harvard education- the they should also accept the burdens." A fascinating look into the souls of the forgetten men who were willing to fight for no other reason than brotherhood. They didn't fight for the US, they didn't fight for the society- they fought for themselves, and they often paid the price in blood. Mr. Webb- thank you for such a wonderful novel. It helped see what my father had to endure as an Army infantrymen in Vietnam.
Amazing Journey May 30, 2000
15 out of 16 found this review helpful
"Fields of Fire" is an amazing journey back to a time of confusion and significance. Through the experiences of a group of diverse, interesting characters, Webb transports the reader to the chaotic environment of Vietnam when the U.S. was exerting its' last gasp into the mutated conflict known as the Vietnam War. The realistic dialogue and beautifully woven descriptions draw the reader into that world of madness and give a glimpse of what it must've been like. The book explores many of the issues surrounding the war; race relations, corruptness, moral dilemmas and the constant clashes between career soldiers and the new breed of drafted grunts. Webb puts the Marine Corp itself on display in this book, and reveals it as a living, breathing organism which is all the more endearing for surviving its' flaws during its' greatest test. Webb's choice to concentrate on a Marine platoon, and specifically a squad, is an interesting one because obviously these units don't act in a vacuum. That there is almost no interaction with the surrounding units is one thing, but the fact that Lt. Hodges (who is in charge of the 3rd Platoon) is predominantly featured interacting with the main characters of only one squad is remarkable. We never even meet Hodges' immediate superior- the Company's Captain, other than a couple vague descriptions. This approach helps keep the story on a personal level and I think successfully portrays the conflict from the most basic element of the conflict; the lone infantryman.
From the eyes of a newer generation September 16, 1999
15 out of 16 found this review helpful
I cannot praise this book high enough, but I can try.About a year ago, maybe more, someone in my apartment building threw out a bunch of books. As an avid reader, I went through them. Fields of Fire caiught my eye, and I read the blurb. Vietnam had always intrested me, as it was so fantastically differant from any other war. Also, I thought that it would help me to get to know my uncle, who was in Nam, and I did not know well. To be honest, I did not have high hopes, but started into it anyway. I couldnt put it down. Recently, I was digging through my library, and came upon it again, joyfully, and have been re-reading it once more. A fantastic, well-writen, realistic novel, it allows you to experience the life, sympathize with the grunts, and shake hands with the charectors, who are done so realistically, it's almost frightening. Realistic enough that it's a sad ending. As someone in a previous review said "Everyone ends up casualties." Ironic as well. The people you love die, and the ones you hate eventually turn into people you like. A terrifying glimpse into the past for a junior in high school. And yet, at the same time, a growing experience, which allows you to perhaps view things mroe realistically. A must read for studying the time period, or if you are just in the mood for a good novel. As my copy proclaims upon the cover "One of the great war novels of our generation." Very true. I commend James Webb, and eagerly search for his others books, though still hold this close to my heart.
A Heartbreaking Classic March 22, 2002
14 out of 14 found this review helpful
I've read Gustav Hasford's "The Shorttimers," and Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried." Both are excellent books and I heartily recommend them, but neither I think can compare to James Webb's classic "Fields of Fire."Webb's book is from the James Jones school of realism. The book has the stinging ring of authenticity and no wonder, Webb was a Marine officer in Vietnam himself and won the Navy Cross, a Silver Star and two Bronze Stars so he definitely knows of what he writes. But this isn't just a book written by an officer about officers. His portraits of the enlisted men are just as real and are full blooded characters. Some are tough, mean and unlikeable, but hey, that's real life for you. And just like real life, you'll find yourself bonding and getting close to these characters and when some are killed, you are affected. Be warned: "Fields of Fire" isn't a happy story. The ending is tragic but given the setting of the story, it's entirely appropriate. Mr. Webb has done himself and the Marines who served in Vietnam a great honor. Semper Fi Mr. Webb.
Superb October 27, 1999
13 out of 16 found this review helpful
Written in the mid 70's, it is a classic Vietman war novel. It ranks up there with Killer Angels and The Caine Mutiny as one of my favorite war novels. It is not quite the "literary" masterpiece such as For Whom the Bell Tolls or Going After Cacciato. Nevertheless, it is a great novel and I highly recommend it.
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