Word of Honor

Nelson DeMille is, in my opinion, one of America's best novelists. I have read all of his books with the exception of the one that just came out - which I intend to order this week. I have read several of his books twice or three times. I would rather read a DeMille for the second or third time than read a second rate author, which most are, I hate to say. This book told me more about Vietnam and war than any book I have ever read. It expressed the moral challenges soldiers must address almost daily. It explained human nature and man's inevitable reactions to exposure to long-term brutality. It expressed the absolute brutality of war through the eyes of a character who was not opposed to the war, who thought, in fact, that he was in Vietnam because he was doing what a patriot ought to do. His male-female relationships in this book, like in all his others, are totally realistic. He understands women better than any male author I have ever come across. He understands the dynamics so well that he can get into the small print of the relationship and not look stupid and uninformed in a woman's eyes. He understands us as well as we understand ourselves. For the first time I understood the geography of Vietnam, what the civilian populace of the country suffered as we dropped hundreds of thousands of bombs on them and how they hid out in tunnels, gave birth in tunnels, had medical facilities in tunnels. The book addressed the reputation of our CIA, FBI, Military Intelligence, etc., and how even those involved in that line of work distrust these organizations to varying degrees. Truly a masterpiece! Do yourself a favor and read this exceptional book.

Word of Honor is not only arguably DeMille's finest novel it may well be one of the best novels you'll ever read. It quite simply crawls into your gut, sticks to your ribs and stay with you whole as you digest the significance of its powerful message. And it's one hell of a read! Ben Tyson is called to disclose the actions of his platoon twenty years after the Battle of Hue in a court of military law. Intermingled with flashbacks and back stories regarding a combat incident his unit handled during an extreme instant, a stressful moment about an 'event' between 'brothers'. The courtroom scenes in this book are quite simply brilliantly crafted. Tyson is a tight, faceted personality possessing the wry sarcasm and humor and open intelligence that only DeMille can create. Lucky for us he doesn't shower this attention on just his main character since everyone has a compelling, vital story to tell. How can those of us who weren't there understand such complex feeling? Yet, DeMille, makes us understand, he transports our souls with the written word unlike no other and quietly says....this was our reality.

This book brings out everything that a Demille fan expects from him: great story line, page-turning intrigue, and most importantly, Demille's own inimitable sardonic dialogue that is unmatched by any author. If you liked John Cory in Plum Island and Lion's Game (which any Demille fan does), then you'll really appreciate Ben Tyson in this one. Even better, he gets a sidekick (his attorney) who's just as bad/good as he is.The story is built well, providing ample, but not too lengthy background of the main story - a civilian murder in Vietnam. This is NOT, however a Vietnam War story as much as it is a trial of an upwardly mobile family man from New York. AS you move through the book, you will find the pages turning faster adn faster, especially the last 100 pages.Plum Island was my favorite until this read. Truly excellent!

I have read all of Demille's books. I have enjoyed all of his books. I do not think that any can compete with Word of Honor. First of all, he truly allows the reader to understand the central character, Benjamin Tyson. I would catch myself on numerous occasions, understanding in certain situations exactly how he felt. His character development is flawless and the reader truly gets to know the characters.The plot itself was incredibly interesting with the Vietnam war backdrop against a modern family in Long Island. In addition, a military courtroom drama is an uncommon trait in modern fiction. In reality, the last one I read was the Caine Mutiny. I could not put this book down, and it's pretty long. I think I read it in just two sittings (not bad for 700+ pages). Demille truly engages the reader, unflods the plot in small steps, and keeps the reader on his toes. In addition, the detail of all aspects is incredible. I would recommend this book to everyone and have actually purchased it twice because when I lost it I could not live without it.

If you are looking to be captivated and entertained, as well as educated and intrigued, read this book. Each and every chapter is well written and Nelson Demille does a great job all the way to the end. The story is about a really interesting man whose past includes an incredible experience in the Vietnam War. It gave me an appreciation for those who were in the war, including my dad. Also, it's neat how the book goes back and forth from the present to his past. This is the first Nelson Demille book I read, since then I've read Plum Island, Gold Coast, and Cathedral. Just purchased Generals Daughter and Charm School. His books are awesome!