Book cover of Achilles in Vietnam: Combat Trauma and the Undoing of Character

Book description

An original and groundbreaking book that examines the psychological devastation of war by comparing the soldiers of Homer’s Iliad with Vietnam veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

In this moving, dazzlingly creative book, Dr. Shay examines the psychological devastation of war by comparing the soldiers of Homer’s Iliad with Vietnam…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Achilles in Vietnam as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

In a world torn by wars, Jonathan Shay offers a stunning cross-fertilization of the Homeric universe of the Iliad with the experiences of today’s soldiers on the battlefield.

Shay, a psychiatrist with a long experience of treating Vietnam veterans and a profound knowledge of Homer, achieves a remarkable double feat; he shows how the Iliad’s accounts of the battlefield provide unique insights into the experiences of today’s warriors and also how these experiences offer a profound understanding of the metamorphosis of Achilles from noble and generous hero into a demented killing machine.

He identifies the betrayal of "What is Right"…

If you love Achilles in Vietnam...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like Achilles in Vietnam?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Achilles in Vietnam.

Browse books like Achilles in Vietnam

Book cover of Odysseus in America: Combat Trauma and the Trials of Homecoming
Book cover of War Music: An Account of Homer's Iliad
Book cover of The Mighty Dead: Why Homer Matters

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,367

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Achilles in Vietnam, you might also like...

Book cover of The Swordsman of Venice

The Swordsman of Venice by Rob Samborn,

In Renaissance Venice, the deadliest weapon isn’t a blade… it’s a secret.

Angelo Mascari is a master swordsman whose greatest battle isn’t fought for crown or country, but for love. When treachery strikes and the Republic turns against him, Angelo is forced into a desperate flight that leads him across…

Book cover of Price of Vengeance

Price of Vengeance by Kurt D. Springs,

Liam was orphaned at the age of two by a group of giant carnivorous insects called the chitin. Taken in by High Councilor Marcus and his wife, Lidia, Liam was raised with their older son, Randolf in New Olympia, the last remaining city on the planet Etrusci.

As an adult,…

5 book lists we think you will like!