Grey Ghosts
Challinor, DeborahBased on interviews with New Zealand troops, historian Deborah Challinor presents the stories of the "Grey Ghosts", New Zealand's Vietnam veterans talking about their war. These compelling personal accounts are related along with the political and military background of a divisive period in New Zealand living history. [Original publication, 1998. This is an updated publication.] NZ Interest
Comments from Groups
Really interesting to read the history of Vietnam, the huge political disarray, the reasons for NZ's involvement, the lack of resources both gear, kit and ordnance and much more. The enormous disrespect the Vietnam vets have been accorded is a huge story in itself. Otaki 001Fantastic discussion. Those that read the book thought it was a fascinating insight to a war most of us knew very little about. Loved the interview with the Soldiers and their 'take on it'. Well worth the read. Waihi 002Our group felt we learnt a lot about the Vietnam conflict and NZ's role. Some thought it was a difficult book to read while others enjoyed the format. We had lots of discussion over questions: NZ's stand, protests, Government recognition for soldiers and ANZAC day parades. Piopio 001Nobody enjoyed the book. There was great discussion and everyone agreed they learnt something from it. Very dry (as a thesis is). Blenheim 010 2 of us read it, others dipped. Eye opening as to how NZ became involved. Someone used to academic reading found it too scattered, lacked cohesion. The book evoked quite a lot of emotional response because of our memories, our own opinions, generational memories, family connections, the complexity of conflict of civil war and whether we would want interference etc. Auckland 230
Pages
304
304
Year
1999
1999
Reviews
26-10-2023
Once again our reading takes us down a different path. We read for enjoyment, for relaxation and this time for information. Amazing discussion came from our group. One member couldn't wrestle the book from her husband so she bought her own copy! We not only read the reports following all aspects of the Vietnam war but delved at length into the full notes and records at the end. While not enjoyed, this book is a must read and is part of our history...
19-07-2023
We felt this was a bit repetitive - better as a PhD thesis than a book! Not much discussion as people not very interested. Conversations were more about the rights and wrongs of the Vietnam War.
10-09-2021
Rather than the narrative divided into themes, we would have preferred a chapter given to each interviewee and their personal experiences of the Vietnam War. Interestingly those who completed the book were familiar with a methodology that drew on themes from their own university studies.
10-09-2021
Not many of our readers completed the book. Most people found the book heavy going, and found the use of acronyms annoying. There were interesting bits but on the whole the stories were repetitive and academic.
10-09-2021
We all enjoyed this book.
10-09-2021
We all learnt more about the many and complicated issues that have faced the Vietnam vets. Well-written and informative book.
10-09-2021
Most of the group felt the book was worth reading. Very sad, very complicated. Good discussion about war in general.