Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War - Karl Marlantes

One of the great stories from the world of publishing last year was that of an unappreciated manuscript that won a contest and was then taken under the wing of a nurturing publisher. Thus Matterhorn (Grove, $15.95) burst upon the scene as one of the great war novels of this or any generation.  Karl Marlantes, a highly decorated Vietnam-era Marine, shows readers the futility of conquering ground only to give it back the next day, details the fear and courage experienced by regular soldiers on the ground, and captures war’s sights, sounds, and smells. This novel vividly evokes both the heights of adrenaline and the tedium of waiting for action.