57 pages 1 hour read

Tim O'Brien

Going After Cacciato

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1978

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Going After Cacciato by Tim O'Brien explores the Vietnam War through the experiences of Paul Berlin, who is part of a squad sent to retrieve a fellow soldier, Cacciato, who is attempting to walk to Paris. The novel intertwines three narrative threads: realistic war experiences, Paul's contemplations during night watches, and an imaginative pursuit of Cacciato across an international landscape. The book addresses sensitive themes such as war trauma, violence, and death.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Going After Cacciato by Tim O'Brien masterfully blends reality and fantasy in a Vietnam War narrative. Reviews praise its innovative structure and deep character exploration, though some find the switching between real and surreal disorienting. Overall, it's acclaimed for its powerful storytelling and poignant examination of war's impact on soldiers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Going After Cacciato?

Readers who appreciate Tim O'Brien's Going After Cacciato will enjoy its blend of surrealism and gritty reality, much like Joseph Heller's Catch-22 or Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five. Fans of war literature that explores the psychological impact of combat and the nature of courage and confusion will find it compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

680L

Book Details

Topics

Military / War

Education

History: World

Themes

Society: War

Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride

Emotions/Behavior: Guilt

Genre

American Literature

Education

Historical Fiction