Tobias Wolff's In Pharaoh's Army receives acclaim for its compelling narrative and poignant reflections on the Vietnam War, revealing the intricacies of wartime experiences with authenticity. Critics commend Wolff's prose and storytelling but note occasional shifts in tone that may disrupt flow. Overall, it provides an insightful, humanizing glimpse into a soldier's life and struggles.

Readers who enjoy autobiographical war literature with deep personal reflection, akin to The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, will appreciate Tobias Wolff’s In Pharaoh’s Army. This memoir’s nuanced portrayal of the Vietnam War appeals to those interested in intimate, gritty, and honest narratives about military life and its aftermath.

In Pharaoh's Army by Tobias Wolff is a memoir divided into three parts, detailing his time before, during, and after the Vietnam War. Wolff discusses his motivations for joining the military, his experiences in the relatively quiet Delta leading up to the Tet Offensive, and the chaotic events following it. The narrative covers his struggles with authority, cultural interactions, and a difficult return to civilian life, ending with his matriculation at Oxford. The book addresses themes of war, trauma, and complex human relationships.

Tobias Wolff

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore In Pharaoh's Army reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read In Pharaoh's Army | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore In Pharaoh's Army and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

In Pharaoh's Army Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Part 1, Chapters 1-2

In Pharaoh's Army Part 1, Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 3-6

In Pharaoh's Army Part 1, Chapters 3-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 Part 2, Chapters 7-11

In Pharaoh's Army Part 2, Chapters 7-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Part 3, Chapters 12-13

In Pharaoh's Army Part 3, Chapters 12-13 Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

In Pharaoh's Army Key Figures

theme

Themes

In Pharaoh's Army Themes

Symbols & Motifs

In Pharaoh's Army Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

In Pharaoh's Army Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

In Pharaoh's Army Essay Topics

Pharaoh’s Army: Memories of the Lost War

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read In Pharaoh's Army?

Reading Age

Book Details