From Publishers Weekly — If fiction can assuage the lingering moral pain of the Vietnam War, it's through the kind of driving honesty coupled with knowledgeability that DeMille (By the Rivers of Babylon) employs here, in a story which, as riveting as The Caine Mutiny but with wider implications, probes the conflicting concepts of honor, duty and ... more »loyalty as they relate to an event of the My Lai varietyand assesses blame. Prompted by a just-published book that holds ex-lieutenant Ben Tyson accountable for a hushed-up massacre committed by his platoon in a Hue hospital 18 years before, the army recalls Tyson to stand trial for murder. Tyson, confronted by an army authority anxious to save its own face, an embarrassed federal government (which has its own "deal" to propose) and a threatened marriage, and entangled, furthermore, in his own past lives and present sense of guilt, must call on all his lawyer's cleverness and his own inner toughness to fight his case. The flashbacks to Hue, the pre-trial investigation (involving an attractive female major), the court-martial proceedings, the emotions of the principal characters and the soul-sickness wrought by war (which is the story's effective subtext)all are depicted with marvelous vividness. 50,000 first printing; $50,000 ad/promo. Foreign rights: Jack Ellison. November 11

Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

This huge and merciless account follows an ordinary corporate man, Ben Tyson, as his Army commission is reactivated so that he can be court-martialed on charges of murder. The events go back 15 years to a hospital in Vietnam where his platoon took heavy action and many civilians died. Did he wantonly kill enemy and civilian alike? The investigation, intended to restore military honor after My Lai, gives no quarter. All the hostile witnesses are called up while friendly witnesses are lost or silent. Tyson's own sense of honor lets him give only tiny scraps of information even to his attorney. The courtroom sequences are so powerful that most of the other action is like filler. The dialogue rings true and shows a gift for wit and timing. Apart from its unfortunate length and a slightly over-drawn hero, this succeeds as a mature and compassionate statement about Americans at war in Vietnam. Barbara Conaty, Medical Coll. of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc

ISBN-13: 9780446612487
ISBN-10: 0446612480
Publication Date: 1998
Pages: 738
Rating:

Currently 4.1/5 Stars.

4.1 stars, based on 20 ratings

Publisher: Warner Books
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
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Currently 4/5 Stars.

Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed Word of Honor on 10/26/2011 + 934 more book reviews

You can't miss with one of Nelson DeMille's books and this one is a great read! I love the characters and the depth each has and how the story weaves along them and tangles up. A great read.

Currently 4/5 Stars.

Pat W. (Scareplane) reviewed Word of Honor on 4/4/2007 + 18 more book reviews

Very good a little slow at first and a couple of slow areas, however once into book it is excellent. Lots of twists and turns. A good read for DeMille fans,

Currently 0/5 Stars.

Carley C. (Carley) reviewed Word of Honor on 2/25/2007 + 129 more book reviews

Another great Demille book

Read All Book Reviews of "Word of Honor"

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Mystery, Thriller & Suspense >> Thrillers

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