4 out of 4 stars
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Much like the style of old slapstick war movies such as Good Morning, Vietnam and M*A*S*H, Wayne Johnson's The Militarized Zone: What Did You Do in the Army, Grandpa? presents a humorous look at the events in Seoul, Korea during the Vietnam War through the eyes of a reluctant soldier. Will Jenson, the main character and stereotypical twenty-something who wishes to do anything but go to war, provides the reader with an entertaining perspective of the war off the front-line.
It is 1969 and, although unsuccessful, Will Jenson has made every attempt to avoid the draft. Wishing instead to pursue music and a career outside of the military, he comes up with various schemes that are ultimately nothing more than futile efforts. Since he is unable to sneak past the draft, Will does his best to make a mockery of his military stint and attempts to assure minimal time in the war zone from the beginning of his service. Since he is now required to be in a place he does not want to be and has no desire to fight on the front-line, Will schemes his way up the ranks in an effort to post himself in a place far from the wartime action – at the 8th Army Headquarters in Seoul, Korea. Nothing more than a paperwork pusher, Will is proud of his successful scheming. It is during this time, however, that he moves from childhood to adulthood. It is during this time that he experiences all of the facets of life which take him from a free-spirited schemer to a soldier.
Although fictional, Wayne Johnson derives much of his dialogue and material from his own experiences in the service. In the preface of The Militarized Zone: What Did You Do in the Army, Grandpa?, he writes that the events are snippets of notes and conversations from over 40 years prior. While I appreciate the authenticity of the events, Johnson’s colorful imagery and military jargon, and the often untold perspective of the Vietnam War from Korea, this story is dated.
There were no major errors within the text and the addition of the military jargon at the beginning of each chapter maintained the military minded feel of the writing. Additionally, the addition of Korean words added a sense of authenticity and believable nature to Jenson’s character.
I rate this work of fiction 3 out of 4 stars. While there are no grammatical or syntax errors, Wayne Johnson seems to have fallen short in presenting a new and enticing perspective on an often written about topic. This work would have warranted a 4 out of 4 star rating had Johnson authored something new and different that the expected wartime book. Unfortunately, The Militarized Zone: What Did You Do in the Army, Grandpa? reads as other fictional military farce works of this time.
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The Militarized Zone
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I was intrigued by the book cover and the title but I am not up for a hackneyed wartime fiction. Thanks for the candid review!
