40 pages • 1 hour read
Tobias WolffPharaoh’s Army: Memories of the Lost War
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1994A 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
In Pharaoh's Army by Tobias Wolff is a memoir divided into three parts, detailing his time before, during, and after the Vietnam War. Wolff discusses his motivations for joining the military, his experiences in the relatively quiet Delta leading up to the Tet Offensive, and the chaotic events following it. The narrative covers his struggles with authority, cultural interactions, and a difficult return to civilian life, ending with his matriculation at Oxford. The book addresses themes of war, trauma, and complex human relationships.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Tobias Wolff's In Pharaoh's Army receives acclaim for its compelling narrative and poignant reflections on the Vietnam War, revealing the intricacies of wartime experiences with authenticity. Critics commend Wolff's prose and storytelling but note occasional shifts in tone that may disrupt flow. Overall, it provides an insightful, humanizing glimpse into a soldier's life and struggles.
Who Should Read In Pharaoh's Army?
Readers who enjoy autobiographical war literature with deep personal reflection, akin to The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, will appreciate Tobias Wolff’s In Pharaoh’s Army. This memoir’s nuanced portrayal of the Vietnam War appeals to those interested in intimate, gritty, and honest narratives about military life and its aftermath.