This book covers the things I was forced to leave out of "A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume One." When the French forces at Dien Bien Phu were being threatened with destruction, during 1953-1954, "Operation Vulture" called for the US to bomb the Viet Minh positions using three nuclear bombs! It was only reluctance of the British to join in this scheme and the opposition from General Ridgeway (US) that ended that madness and operation Vulture was called off! This book also looks at the 'Tiger Cages' and the Third Indochina War during which Vietnam invaded Kampuchea and the Pol Pot administration fled into the Jungle! Also, there is an interview with Hun Sen which may help people understand more of what happened in Cambodia.
Served Australian army, including war service in the Vietnam War in 1968 - 1969. Came home to public shunning of Vietnam Veterans and discrimination against Vietnam Veterans by potential employers. This resulted in the setting up of the first business, (contract fencing) because I could not get a job. In due course, I studied for Advanced Diploma of Egineering Technology, Associate Degree of Civil Engineering and I am now doing my Arts degree. It was during the study of the arts degree that I became interested in the history of Northern Europe and Germania during the times of Julius and Augustus Ceasar. This led to researching and writing of the second book entitled 'For the Love of Armin'. Currently studying Bachelor of Construction Management.
This is a historical fiction novel detailing the intervention of countries in Vietnam and the aftermath of the country and its people. It focuses on a few people that were affected by the war and tells their tales. While I was very young while the Vietnam War was happening, I do remember the opposition to it, and the varying news reports about it. In this book, the Americans are presented as an evil force in the War. The Australians are depicted as those who helped. I do remember the "boat people" coming to America, and in fact, worked with several. I don't know how much of these stories are true, but it is interesting to read the interpretation of the lives affected.
There isn’t anything more frightening than to think of a war outside of your front door and then having to leave your home and move to a new country but this is what many Vietnam refugees went through. In a world where people get the news from Twitter and ticker tape and Facebook post it really is refreshing to read Mr. Kraimer‘s account of the destruction of a peoples homeland and then the efforts to make it better. I really like his respectful way of writing about a subject most people don’t experience. I find his books to be thoughtful, interesting in for a nonfiction book about war not academic at all the pages just keep turning there self. I truly enjoyed this book in a few like history then you should definitely read “a gracious enemy, after the war” book 2 by Michael Kraimmer, It truly is a great read. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.gg
A Gracious Enemy & After the War vol2 takes a deeper look into the Vietnamese war and what its people feeling the war-torn country had to endure to become a part of Australia. So many of the innocent civilians had to flee their homes and leave all their worldly goods to escape. Imagine waking up one day and being forced from your home with only the clothes on your back and being sent to another country in order to survive war. The accounts in the book really bring that reality into focus as author Kramer focuses on those survivors and tells the story from their perspective.
Overall, A Gracious Enemy & After the War vol2 is a must-read for anyone with an interest in the Vietnamese war or military history. It is a historical and powerfully moving tribute to Vietnam and its people. Evidently this is well researched as the author spent time there serving the Australian military during the war.
My first reading of this author was the first volume of the same work, which I have now finished. In this read as well, the same hook has kept me untreated. The realistic, detailed, and minute details make this book more enjoyable. The incidents have been ordered by the author in a way that is both logically compelling and accurate in terms of chronology. This book covers the events that occurred in 1975, the year that the final American soldier was evacuated from Vietnam following the embarrassing gaffe at the embassy.
By capturing some of the nations, the new national governments brought about some logical reforms. The story reveals the fate of courageous soldiers who gave their lives in service to the nation and are now seeking settlement in terms of property and family. This would give an interesting and realistic turn to the story as we never know what happens to the heroes who valiantly fought it. I was satisfied and occupied with this read and looking forward to reading more realistic work like this.
A Dive into the Depths of War and Humanity: A Review of A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume 2 by Michael Kramer A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume 2 was like a dance between the intricacies of war and the raw, unfiltered human emotions. It's not just about battles and strategies. Additionally, the author does an excellent job of putting the events of the war into context and explaining the larger picture, which helped to give a better understanding of the war and how it impacted the soldiers and civilians This was such an interesting read packed full of history, author Kramer must have spent a great deal of time and energy on gathering this much information and translating it into a fantastic, educational, story. I love the style the book is written in, it makes it very easy to digest such a large intake of historical facts. The books pacing isn’t too fast either, so i didn’t fell as though I’d missed any of the details. A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume 2 is a credit to Kramer, who obviously delved very deep into his research. Not only is it an emotionally inspiring story , but it is also historically informative.... I Highly recommend it.
Oh, the tangled webs of history! Michael G Kramer takes us on a jaunt through the tendrils of the past in "A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume Two". This isn't your regular stroll down memory lane, folks. This is a deep dive into the murky waters of historical narratives, where the lines between the good, the bad, and the ugly blur, just like my vision when I’m trying to read the small print on the back of a medicine bottle. The book picks up the threads left dangling in the first volume, diving headfirst into the stormy seas of the Dien Bien Phu events during 1953-1954, with a sidelong glance at the U.S's Operation Vulture and its nuclear ambitions. Imagine being a fly on the wall during those high-tension military strategizing sessions. The buzz (pun intended) would be palpable. As we wade further into the narrative, we step into the quagmire of America's withdrawal from Indochina in 1975, and the ripple effects that ensued, like Vietnam's little 'house-cleaning' in Kampuchea in 1978. And oh, the drama at the American embassy in Saigon. It’s like watching a thriller, only with real stakes and real tanks crashing through the gates. Michael G Kramer's prose isn’t one to shy away from the stark realities of war. It’s like he’s taken a flashlight to the shadowy corners of history, illuminating the dust and the cobwebs and the things we’d rather forget but absolutely shouldn’t. His narrative is a blend of cold hard facts, served with a side of personal anecdotes that add a sprinkle of humanity to the otherwise harsh historical truths. And yet, amid the heavy air of historical discourse, the book does not forget to breathe. There’s a rhythm to the narrative that carries you along, much like a boat gently rocking on the waves of time, even as the storm of war rages around. All in all, “A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume Two” isn’t just a read, it’s an experience. It’s a window into a past that’s both familiar and foreign, a reflection on the actions of nations and the individuals swept along in the tide of history. It’s not a light read by any stretch, but for those with a penchant for digging into the meaty substance of historical narratives, this book is a hearty meal waiting to be devoured. Now, where did I put my reading glasses?
Examining the aftermath of the Vietnam War – outstanding book!
Australian author Michael Kramer earned degrees in architecture and engineering, and is a Veteran of the Vietnam War, having served with the First Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) in the Vietnam War during 1968 and 1969, and has published eight novels - FULL CIRCLE FOR MICK, FOR THE LOVE OF ARMIN, NOW WHAT?!! (and the version, ANGLO-SAXON INVASION), A GRACIOUS ENEMY, A CASTLE OF DOOMSDAY, ARMINIUS AND THUSNELDA VERSUS ROME, and now A GRACIOUS ENEMY & AFTER THE WAR, Volume Two. Having read and enjoyed all of Michael Kramer’s books, it is with some assurance that this reader underlines the importance of his contribution to our understanding, appreciation, and respect for history. His meticulous analysis of the history of Indochina and Vietnam in particular provides insights rarely shared as well as important information to consider about the wages of war!
As the author has stated – ‘In 1975, the last American soldier was withdrawn from Vietnam after the shameful bungling at the American embassy in Saigon as Vietnamese tanks came crashing through the gates on their way to liberate Indochina from American capitalist exploitation! This volume deals with the plight of some people who ran afoul of the new communist Government of Vietnam. That in turn lead to many "Boat People" arriving in Australia. These people were eventually successfully integrated into Australian society, with many of them becoming very successful business operators in spite of their difficulties and the blatant hostility being practiced against them by many Australians. Now, in the present day, the Vietnamese refugees are now a vibrant part of Australian society with many of these people travelling between Australia and Vietnam at will.’ That Australian experience was echoed in the United States.
Fine writing, well considered research, and a sense of immediacy make this a fine history book – and novel! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
In this volume of A Gracious Enemy & After the War, we see a fresh viewpoint on the Vietnam war that US citizens frequently miss. It discusses politics, war, and loss a lot of the time.
This historical fiction book describes foreign interventions in Vietnam and their effects on the nation and its people. It highlights the stories of a select group of individuals affected by the conflict. The "boat people," or those who emigrated to Australia, are the subject of this book's narrative. This is a well-written historical work that pays close attention to historical accuracy and research.
It's evident that a precise amount of study was done for this well-written historical work, and much care was taken to accurately describe historical events. This book is ideal for reading if you are interested in the Vietnam War.
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A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume Two by Michael G Kramer OMIEAust continues along the lines of the first volume. In this historical fiction, the author introduces us to "The Vietnamese Boat People." These are the thousands of Vietnamese refugees who found a new home in Australia. Many of these people chose to leave their home country after it was riddled with the destruction left by Vietnam War and the Vietnamese Army.
I found the second volume of A Gracious Enemy & After the War intriguing. Michael G Kramer is a fascinating author who brings history to life. I enjoyed this book much more because I understand the author's writing style. It is well edited though you have a combination of languages translated. Kramer opens my eyes to unique cultures every time I read one of his books.
Even though it’s based on real life facts A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume Two is presented by author Michael Kramer in a fictional way. Inside the book he explores the themes of displacement and the immigrant experience in Australia. This volume introduces us to "The Vietnamese Boat People," a group of Vietnamese refugees who fled their homeland due to the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Kramer's writing style is captivating, and he has a talent for bringing history to life. The second volume of the series is just as intriguing as the first, and I found myself drawn in by the characters and their stories. Kramer's attention to detail and thorough research are evident throughout the book, which is well-edited and features a mix of languages that are seamlessly translated. One of the strengths of Kramer's writing is his ability to open readers' eyes to unique cultures and perspectives. In A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume Two, he provides a glimpse into the experiences of the Vietnamese Boat People and the challenges they faced as they tried to start a new life in a foreign land. Through the characters' stories, readers gain a greater understanding of the struggles and triumphs of the Vietnamese community in Australia. Overall, A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume Two is a well-written and engaging novel that continues to explore important themes of identity, displacement, and the immigrant experience. Kramer is a skilled storyteller, and his ability to bring history to life in a compelling and accessible way makes this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction.
Kramer hits another home run in this piece. I've read many of his books, and I'm not even surprised by how well they are written and researched. I enjoyed learning about this perspective, part of our (humanity's) warring history, and its impact. And yes, even though it's fiction, you can trust that Kramer has packed a ton of facts and historical accuracy in this. He breathes life into the characters and conversations in a way that is more than just a listed set of facts. The refugees of the Vietnam War aren't often thought of, but they shouldn't be forgotten as Kramer points out, they are integral parts of (Australian in Kramer's instance) society. He puts their story into print in a way only he can do: with accuracy, care, and impressive detail. It is incredible, especially as Kramer lived through the war and knows many of these characters firsthand, even if they are just versions of real people. Someone else said, "the accounts in this book really bring that reality into focus," and there is no better way to say it.
Another great story by Kramer. If you love historical war fiction or want to learn more about the Vietnam War, this is a book for your shelf.
1. **Carol Matas' *After the War*** This young adult novel follows Ruth Mendenberg, a 15-year-old Holocaust survivor, as she joins an underground movement to smuggle Jewish children to Palestine after WWII. The story powerfully captures themes of resilience, loss, and hope, portraying how children rebuild their lives amid displacement. Critics praise its gripping narrative and emotional depth, calling it "a compelling and important story shaped by terror yet redeemed by hope" .
2. **Jonathan Littell's *The Kindly Ones*** (Note: The search results did not provide direct information on this book, so this is a general comment.) *The Kindly Ones* is a controversial historical novel narrated by a former SS officer, offering a disturbing yet meticulously detailed perspective on Nazi atrocities. Its unflinching portrayal of moral ambiguity and complicity in genocide has sparked debates about the ethics of fictionalizing Holocaust narratives. While praised for its literary ambition, it has also faced criticism for its graphic content and unreliable narrator.
"Delving into Michael G Kramer's 'A Gracious Enemy & After the War vol 2', I was struck by the intricate tapestry of post-Vietnam War events that it weaves. The narrative is centered around the aftermath of the U.S. exit from Indochina. This book sheds light on the Vietnamese 'Boat People's' exodus and their eventual settlement in Australia. Kramer's approach to recounting these events is very detailed, providing a thorough backdrop against which individual stories unfold. While this depth of historical insight is commendable, it occasionally overshadows the personal narratives at the heart of the book. This imbalance sometimes made the reading experience more educational than emotive. 'A Gracious Enemy & After the War vol 2' is a significant work for those who seek to understand the lesser-known repercussions of the Vietnam War.
This is such an entertaining read packed full of history, the author must have spent a great deal of time and energy on gathering this much information and translating it into a fantastic, educational, story. I love the style the book is written in, it makes it very easy to digest such a large intake of historical facts. I tend to loose interested in history books that spew endless dates and uninspiring facts but this book is the complete opposite of that, telling a mesmerising story while still providing all the information. I would have learnt a lot more about history in school if the text books had been structured in this way. Overall, 'A Gracious Enemy & After the War vol 2' is a must-read for anyone with an interest in Vietnam and military history. It was powerful and moving.
After reading book one, I was curious to see what book two would have in store. I would say this is more of a supplemental book - fleshing out more of what was discussed in book one, and adding some new insights. There’s quite a bit of new information, including an interview with a key figure. Kramer has clearly poured hours of research into this, yet manages to make it easy to read and accessible even if you aren’t a history buff. The things covered are tough to read - they really tug on your emotions, but this is definitely worth reading, whether you love history or are interested in new perspectives on a war that many Americans would rather pretend never happened.
A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume Two”by Michael G. Kramer, takes a look at the post-Vietnam War era. It’s told from the point of view of the Boat People who had no choice but to flee their homes and find a new life in Australia. The story highlights the cost of war and political upheaval, from the point of view of these people. The book looks into historical events, that can often go un-mentioned, with the conflict itself taking a more centre-stage in other representations. The writing was detailed but straightforward, clear and engaging. It’s a noteworthy addition to the history genre of the Vietnam War era, and will appeal to anyone who loves a compelling story.
A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume Two by Michael G Kramer OMIEAust tackles a significant moment in time during the Vietnam war. The book tells the story of the "boat people" or those people who fled to Australia. This is a well-executed historical book with evident research and fine attention to detail about historical events. If you are interested in the Vietnam war, this is the perfect book to dive into. Well-written and an interesting read. Recommend.
A Gracious Enemy and After the War is a piece of work that combines fiction and real events, in which the author describes the events after the Vietnam War in Australia and Indochina. The book talks about the people who had to leave their homes in Indochina, the "Boat People", who have successfully arrived and become Australian citizens.
One of the aspects that I liked is how, in a fictional historical book, the author managed to breathe life into his characters and situations, making me able to enjoy the reading as much as possible. By creating fictional dialogs and assumptions about certain people and situations, the characters presented in this book have become easier to interact with and connect with. This book is a great addition for those who enjoy reading about the Vietnam War, especially if you are interested in a specific part of it, like the Vietnamese people who have escaped and established themselves in Australia.