Matterhorn

A Novel of the Vietnam War

By: Karl Marlantes

Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

Length: 21 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

An incredible publishing story—written over the course of thirty years by a highly decorated Vietnam veteran, a New York Times bestseller for sixteen weeks, a National Indie Next, and a USA Today bestseller—Matterhorn has been hailed as a "brilliant account of war" (New York Times Book Review).

Matterhorn is an epic war novel in the tradition of Norman Mailer's The Naked and the Dead and James Jones' The Thin Red Line. It is the timeless story of a young marine lieutenant, Waino Mellas, and his comrades in Bravo Company, who are dropped into the mountain jungle of Vietnam as boys and forced to fight their way into manhood. Standing in their way are not merely the North Vietnamese but also monsoon rain and mud, leeches and tigers, disease and malnutrition. Almost as daunting, it turns out, are the obstacles they discover between each other: racial tension, competing ambitions, and duplicitous superior officers. But when the company finds itself surrounded and outnumbered by a massive enemy regiment, the marines are thrust into the raw and all-consuming terror of combat. The experience will change them forever.

Matterhorn is a visceral and spellbinding novel about what it is like to be a young man at war. It is an unforgettable story that transforms the tragedy of Vietnam into a powerful and universal story of courage, camaraderie, and sacrifice—a parable not only of the war in Vietnam but of all war, and a testament to the redemptive power of literature.

A bonus PDF is included, with maps, a Chain of Command hierarchy, a glossary, and other interesting facts and information.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2010 Karl Marlantes (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“ Matterhorn is one of the most powerful and moving novels about combat, the Vietnam War, and war in general that I have ever read.” (Dan Rather)

“Brings a long, torturous war back to life with realistic characters and authentic, thrilling combat sequences.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“Unforgettable.… A beautifully crafted novel of unrivaled authenticity and power, filled with jungle heroism, crackerjack inventiveness, mud, blood, brotherhood, hatred, healing, terror, bureaucracy, politics, unfathomable waste, and unfathomable love." (Christina Robb, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist)

Authentic

I'm a combat veteran, but of a different war. The emotions in any conflict are always the same though. I can atest to the raw feelings this book contains. Also, the tatics and terminology are accurate too, which is so rare in any military novel.

Great book

Wish we learned more about the characters after. Loved the book a new favorite for me.

war is hell

captivating read from start to finish. felt like I was in the middle of it with them. highly recommend this book

Unbelievably well done

An absolutely fantastic experience. Beautifully written and masterfully read. This is a gripping story that is at times deeply heartbreaking. You will never look at a Marine again without remembering the depth of their sacrifice and dedication to each other. The author's skill in describing military action makes Tom Clancy look like a talentless hack. This guy can really write!

Walking in the Shadow of Death

What made the experience of listening to Matterhorn the most enjoyable?

I have a commute of 62 miles each way every day. This book made me yearn for my car, Marlantes' words and Pinchot's voice. I'm not a very literary person and it's hard to put into words the depths of despair I felt when listening to this book. I was in high school at the end of the Vietnam war and, until I listened to this book, I had no idea of the suffering of the men who were put into the jungle. I will never truly know. All I can say is that I have lost sleep over this book. I want to reach out to the veterans and touch them and weep. I grieve for them. I thank them with all my heart.

What did you like best about this story?

Mr. Marlantes made me feel as though I was with the soldiers every step of their journey. He made their fear, their suffering, their existence palpable. I wish I could thank him in person for his persistence and his ability to endure. I am fortunate to bear witness to the greatness of his gifts as a writer and as a human being.

What about Bronson Pinchot’s performance did you like?

Mr. Pinchot was superb. His ability to modulate his voice and sound like different people was simply astounding. He captures the tone, the nuances of each character and imbues them with personality. His performance was beyond compare and I am surprised that he has not received more accolades for his work. He is pure genius.

If you could rename Matterhorn, what would you call it?

I would not rename the book. I know, however, that it is a description of the battle of Hamburger Hill.

Any additional comments?

This is, by far, the most horrific, terrifying, brutal and beautiful of books that exists. I rank it among the top five books that have affected my view on life.

Well written at much deeper level than "the war."

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

A book about learning to lead, about the need for understanding in race relations and about the insanity of the autocratic nature of the military. Excellent character development gives each character a strong basis in reality - we all are flawed. Even the finest, no matter your definition of that, make mistakes with a terrible toll when life and death are at stake. Mr. Marlantes has been there, and he learned something!

Speechless

Any additional comments?

It took me two weeks after reading this book to pry it out of my soul. I couldn't even sum up words to review it, nor pass judgement on this story. It was like it was still inside my head influencing my thoughts about humanity, politics, history, and my friends over in the dessert getting blown up by extremists. No doubt your brain will need a serotonin boost after listening to this, because it brings you down into a very dark place. It gave me some much needed perspective on my life, and I hope it will do the same for you. I believe this is a must read for anyone who is unaware/in denial of the high price of war...especially undeclared wars.

Great BOOK! I want more Marlantes! ooH Rah!

First review of a book, and I am happy that it is this book. This read was amazing to say the least! Bronson Pinchot is brilliant! Marlantes characters are so real! I'm a former Marine and I have to admit, couple times I choked up and felt a tear welling up. I am waiting for Karl to write another book now.

Simply Incredible

A beautiful, human story that made me empathize with a vast cast and think like none before.

Good narration of a good book

Revisited the book after having read the hardback several years ago. Narrator did a superb job catching inflections and bringing story to life.