49 pages • 1 hour read
Walter Dean MyersFallen Angels
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1988A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers follows 17-year-old African American Richie Perry from Harlem, who enlists in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. As Perry confronts the harsh realities of war, he grapples with moral dilemmas, racial and socio-economic issues, and the transition from youth to adulthood. The novel explores the deep psychological impact of war on Perry and his fellow soldiers. The book features war, graphic depictions of violence and death, and racial discrimination and racist language.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers has been widely praised for its unflinching portrayal of the Vietnam War, resonating with both young adults and older readers. Critics commend its realistic characters and dialogue. Some note the graphic violence and strong language as potential drawbacks, but overall, it is celebrated for its honest and impactful story.
Who Should Read Fallen Angels?
A reader who enjoys Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers is typically interested in gritty, realistic portrayals of war, particularly the Vietnam War. Fans of The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien or All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque will appreciate Myers' exploration of camaraderie, trauma, and the loss of innocence in a conflict zone.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsLexile Level
650LBook Details
Military / War
Society: War
Identity: Mental Health
Relationships: Friendship
Historical Fiction
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Vietnam War