1975 Saigon Vietnam, the People’s Army of Vietnam are closing in, Americans and their Vietnamese wives and children are fleeing. In the midst of it all Dan Ledger goes missing and his buddy Washington 'Tunny' Barber is left to shepherd Ledger's wife, children and sister-in-law to safety.

This is the main plot, the story itself is harrowing - not only is there a realistic depiction of the abject waste involved there's the all too vivid illustration of human nature in situations like these where refugees are more than willing to trample other people or other people's children to death in order to save themselves or their own. The maliciousness of the women taking advantage of American men is also aptly reflected within the pages of this novel.

I guess if you're into books that leave you feeling acutely depressed about the nature of humanity this one's a winner. It didn't really float my boat and I found the ending to be out of step with the rest of the novel's mood. ( )