Memoirs of a Bangkok Warrior

This is a book about American GIs in Thailand during the Vietnam War, but it is far more than that. It is also a book which raises questions about war and about obeying orders. And while it does that, it tells us a great deal about Thailand as well. A fine read and not just for those who served in the military. If you don't laugh out loud in places, you must be dead.

This novel is hilarious, especially if you were an enlisted man in the military but is also sometimes moving. However, for me, the chapter entitled, The Chaplain's Last Sermon, is fantastic. A Mark Twain-type satire and a satire on chaplains and prayer and war and thinking that some god somewhere is listening to our prayers to destroy an enemy. It brings to mind Twain's "War Prayer," but this chapter is much more developed. This book would make a hilarious movie. Thin-skinned officers might not like it but anyone with a sense of humor will. Whore House Charlie lives!!

Memoirs of a Bangkok Warrior is set in Bangkok during the 1960's, a Bangkok far more innocent than it is now. A time when American GIs could give mess hall apples to taxi drivers in lieu of cash (Thais love apples but they don't grow well in their climate). Dean Barrett handles character and dialogue quite impressively, and his protagonist ("Pineapple") is a remarkable reference point amidst the madness of war in Southeast Asia. It is a very funny and very special novel, tremendously entertaining and would make a fun movie. It is as spicy as the food of the Thais and his knowledge of both military madness and Thai culture is obvious. I also enjoyed the love story between the soldier and the Thai woman but it is the satirical humor that stands out for me. A great read!

Rick Taylor is a Specialist 4th Class, US Army is a frequenter of mid-1960s Bangkok, Thailand brothels and prone to clashing with his military superiors, falling in love with Thai women, and embellishing tales of the legendary Whore House Charlie -- his hero and godhead. Dean Barrett's Memoirs Of A Bangkok Warrior satirizes military justice (especially as it applied to enlisted men), and through satirical human, raises questions of a soldier's role in war and peace. Memoirs Of A Bangkok Warrior suggests that the clash of cultures and values between American officers and enlisted men often exceeded that which existed between Thais and Americans. Memoirs Of A Bangkok Warrior is recommended reading for anyone who ever donned a uniform and found themselves far from home.

This book is the funniest novel I have ever read and stands up there with "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." Warning: don't read this in public around people you don't know. You will laugh out loud and they will think you are crazy. I also love the way Whore House Charlie is shown as a kind of founder of a religion and, as is the case with many religious founders, his hidden warts eventually reveal themselves. In other words, there is symbolism, I'm sure, some of which I may miss, but the humor is infectious and wonderful!