A Vietcong Memoir

An Inside Account of the Vietnam War and Its Aftermath

By: Truong Nhu Tang, David Chanoff, Doan Van Toai

Narrated by: Trieu Tran

When he was a student in Paris, Truong Nhu Tang met Ho Chi Minh. Later he fought in the Vietnamese jungle and emerged as one of the major figures in the "fight for liberation" - and one of the most determined adversaries of the United States.

He became the Vietcong's Minister of Justice, but at the end of the war he fled the country in disillusionment and despair. He now lives in exile in Paris, the highest level official to have defected from Vietnam to the West. This is his candid, revealing, and unforgettable autobiography.

©1985 Truong Nhu Tang, David Chanoff, and Doan Van Toai (P)2018 Tantor

Stunning

Everyone interested in history needs to read this book. It contains perhaps the most poignant political lessons and insights of the modern era and the tragedy and triumph in an impossible struggle.

What I learned from first person testimony

Having served in Vietnam in 1969, as part of the US Army, in partnership with Chou Hoi”s fighting against the VC and at times the NVA, this book has opened my eyes to the deception and cruelty of the North Vietnamese.

It is so sad that those on all sides that fought so hard for the principles of Uncle Ho, were later after his death, led down a path of self destruction. The richness and education of the South due to the association of the United States, was squander by the North’s blindness of punishment.

I have visited South Vietnam in 2007 and was happy to see the success and happiness of the people there. By then, the had seemed to shaken the pains of the North and got on with freedom. I was delighted to see the successes and that they were in fact partnering in manufacturing and trade with US companies.

Perhaps I have not followed the politics of Vietnam, but the people seem satisfied!!

Hmmmmm...

A most eloquent and interesting account of a VC Politico. Worth the read, yet, considering the author was a priviledged; educated and self described nationalist, its hard to understand why he believed the communists would allow for an independent, reunified South Viet Nam. His naivete cost his father shame, his mother grief and his brothers "reeducation" /incarceration for years.
Owing to his stupidity, many South Vietnamese lost their freedom and many Americans lost their lives and treasure...
It would have been a fitting punishment for the author to have suffered under communist overlords for life rather than escaping to the West.
Vietnam Veteran 1972-1976

A must read for anyone who loves history

I love history and learning history from all perspectives. 5his book was insightful and eye opening.

Phenomenal

One of the best books I’ve ever read (or listened to). Anyone with an interest in history, military history, or communism (for or against) should listen to this.

A very good listen

I felt the author was a little self serving but I think on balance it was a mostly accurate account

For me it was a good to hear the other side of the story especially regarding the negotiations that ultimately ended the “American War” I agree with another reviewer that he truly was naive to believe that the North would respect the South after the war or that they would take all the wealth the could from the South

One cannot look at Vietnam and not have pity on the country and it’s people north and south in their long struggle for independence I regret our involvement in the struggle, mostly because of the death of 58,000+ young Americans, especially given how stupidly we fought (not the soldiers but by the political rules of engagement) that assured we and the South could not win It was disheartening to learn of lost opportunities in those negotiations that would have given a more democratic and pluralistic Vietnam

I had the fortune to re visit Vietnam this year (2023) after serving there in 1969-70 in the US Army in the rear thank goodness that history has moved beyond 1985 when the book was written The country is alive The wonderful people in the South, though not politically free, are finally seeing more prosperity and a better future for themselves and their children I wish them the best

The other side

Great insight into Vietnam in the 20th century. The Vietcong and the north were not as aligned politically as I thought.

Great read

A great book that anyone who enjoyed Animal Farm by George Orwell has got to read

Brilliant strategic insights on the Vietnamese war

Loved it! Erudite exposition of VN's strategic success over France and USA despite overwhelming odds.

Interesting account

This helped me fill in blank spots. It's unfortunate the USA leaders didn't listen to those voices of reason at the time. Those that understood the Vietnam independence angle. Too much emphasis on the Domino theory at all costs.