Long Time Passing

Book excerpt: This new edition of a classic book on the impact of the Vietnam War on Americans reintroduces the haunted voices of the Vietnam era to a new generation of readers. Based on more than 500 interviews, Long Time Passing is journalist Myra MacPherson’s acclaimed exploration of the wounds, pride, and guilt of those who fought and those who refused to fight the war that continues to envelop the psyche of this nation. In a new introduction, Myra MacPherson reflects on what has changed, and what hasn’t, in the years since these interviews were conducted, explains the key points of reference from the 1980s that feature prominently in them, and brings the stories of her principal characters up to date. “A haunting chorus of voices, a moving deeply disturbing evocation of an era.” —San Francisco Chronicle “A brilliant and necessary book . . . this stunning depiction of Vietnam’s bitter fruit is calculated to agitate even the most complacent American.” —Philadelphia Inquirer “There have been many books on the Vietnam War, but few have captured its second life as memory better than Long Time Passing.” —Washington Post Book World “Enthralling reading . . . full of deep and strong emotions.” —New York Times