Song Tra Bong

The story, Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong by Tim O’Brian, appealed to me for a few reasons. First, in similarity to some of his other stories, it’s unknown whether or not the story is fact or fiction. While some particular scenes and images, such as Marry Anne’s necklace of tongues, seem way too far-fetched to be true, most of the story seems legit and believable. This is an aspect I like particularly of this story. While it is not said explicitly if the story is fiction or non, it’s left up to the reader to decide and make a personal judgment. Another aspect of this story I like is the way it is narrated. The story being told in first person, yet from another character’s perspective interested me. A final facet of the story which caught my interest was the plot. Being very patriotic and deeply considering serving our country myself, war stories often attract me. Being true or not this story has the twist in it that I like as well as some mystery. I never expected Mary Anne to end up enjoying it there so much (I originally though she was just going to get killed) and then stay (although she was ‘missing’).