Best Vietnam War Fiction Books

Explore our selection of the best fiction books inspired by the Vietnam War. Vietnam War novels and short stories provide different perspectives on the war, which took place from 1955 to 1975. Read about the human cost of the conflict, as well as the complex operations faced by the American soldiers. Discover fiction books about the war’s effects on Vietnamese civilians, books about the aftermath of the war for American veterans, and popular short stories like Tim O'Brien's, The Things They Carried. Reading novels about the Vietnam War is different than just reading history books, because fiction has a way of getting the reader to connect with the characters and get fully immersed in the story. Fictional stories about true events expose the reader to glimpses of history, in this case it is the Vietnam War.

What is the best literature about the Vietnam War?

The best literature about the Vietnam War are popular novels and short stories written by Vietnam War veterans, journalists, or civilian survivors of the almost 20 year-long conflict.

What novel was set during the Vietnam War?

Tree of Smoke is a National Book Award winning novel about the Vietnam War through the eyes of various characters including soldiers, civilians, and CIA operatives throughout the conflict.

What is a fictional story about the Vietnam War?

One of the most famous books of short stories about the men of the Alpha Company in the Vietnam War is Tim O’Brien’s, The Things They Carried. This classic work of American literature is widely read in American high school and college classrooms as well as by literature and history lovers.

10 Best Vietnam War Books That Show Various Sides of the Conflict

Forever War by Joe Haldeman
The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
Dust Child by Nguyen Phan Que Mai
Once an Eagle by Anton Myrer
Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes
Fields of Fire by James Webb
In Country by Ann Mason
Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli
Saigon by Anthony Grey