{"product_id":"there-was-a-time-9781636240442","title":"There Was a Time","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eIn the summer of 1945, the Office of Strategic Services parachute a team of special operations soldiers into Tonkin, northern Viet Nam, to work with Ho Chi Minh against the Japanese. Led by Major John Guthrie and Captain Edouard Parnell, the team must adapt to the different context of Vietnamese politics to encourage communist operations against the Japanese. The relationship with the Viet Minh leadership is of distinct annoyance to French ambitions to regain control of their colony, Indochina. This novel challenges the later-accepted dogma of both those supporting and opposing the American role in the Viet Nam conflict and notes how what is seen at a later time is often inadequate to understand what actually went on. Its contemporary relevance is a mirror of what is always the case in international affairs: today's enemies can and may be tomorrow's friends, and the reverse is true also. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 312 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 15 December 2021\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Casemate Publishers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the summer of 1945, the final and perilous days of World War II unfolded. The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) maintained close and cooperative relations with Ho Chi Minh and the combatants of the Viet Minh, united in their opposition to the Japanese forces. As the war drew to a close, the OSS orchestrated a daring operation by parachuting a team of special operations soldiers into Tonkin, northern Viet Nam. At the helm of this team was Major John Guthrie, an experienced officer who had previously served in occupied France and Belgium. Alongside him was Captain Edouard Parnell, another seasoned officer with prior combat experience. Their mission was to collaborate with Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh against the Japanese, amidst a complex political landscape where various factions vied for control of Indochina.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGuthrie and his team faced significant challenges as they adapted to the entirely different context of Vietnamese politics. They had to navigate the intricate web of relationships and rivalries among the various communist factions, all while encouraging communist operations against the Japanese. Guthrie, in particular, grappled with personal and professional conflicts that tested his resolve.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe relationship that Guthrie and the OSS team developed with the Viet Minh leadership was a source of distinct annoyance to French ambitions to regain control of their colony, Indochina. The French viewed the collaboration with the Communists as a threat to their interests and sought to undermine it at every turn. However, the OSS remained committed to its mission and continued to support the Viet Minh, despite the diplomatic complexities and political risks involved.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis novel, based on the little-known true story of American and Viet Minh collaboration in 1945, challenges the widely accepted dogma of both those supporting and those opposing the American role in the Viet Nam conflict. It highlights the complexities and nuances of the historical relationship between these two nations and emphasizes the importance of understanding the past in order to make informed decisions about the present and future.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the key themes of the novel is the notion that what is seen at a later time may not always be accurate or complete. The events of 1945 were shaped by a complex web of political, social, and cultural factors, and it is often difficult to unravel the truth from the layers of mythology and propaganda that have accumulated over the years. The novel notes how the perspectives of different actors, both American and Vietnamese, can be influenced by their own biases and agendas, leading to misunderstandings and misperceptions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis contemporary relevance of the novel is a testament to the enduring nature of international affairs. Today's enemies may become tomorrow's friends, and vice versa. The complexities and unpredictabilities of the global landscape require a nuanced and empathetic approach to diplomacy and conflict resolution. The OSS's collaboration with the Viet Minh in 1945 serves as a reminder that even in the most challenging and contentious situations, there may be opportunities for cooperation and progress.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, \"The Last Days of Vietnam\" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a fresh perspective on the complex history of the Viet Nam conflict. It challenges the widely accepted narratives and highlights the importance of understanding the past in order to make informed decisions about the present and future. Through its portrayal of Major John Guthrie and his team, the novel sheds light on the challenges and complexities of collaboration and diplomacy in the context of a global conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 390g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 153 x 232 x 24 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781636240442\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"George H. Wittman","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44095273763066,"sku":"9781636240442","price":9.64,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1646179230890_book.jpg?v=1646923373","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/there-was-a-time-9781636240442","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}