Review: True North by Roger Rooney

While Vietnam has been a part of popular culture for more than five decades, there has always been a shadow hanging over that conflict, and many of the books, movies, commentaries, and documentaries haven’t always focused on the personal element of this savage period in Vietnamese and global history. In True North, author Roger Rooney tackles the Vietnam War with a fearless blend of history, romance, philosophy and, most importantly, brutal truth.

The unique approach to this conflict comes in the form of its two main characters, star-crossed accidental lovers on opposite sides of the battlefield. Rooney chose unusual archetypes – an Australian military adviser and a female North Vietnamese soldier – for such central roles within a work about Vietnam. This is not to say that the roles of Australian and female soldiers were not integral and worthy of documentation, but the introduction of a romance at the heart of such a bloody war is something that has rarely been done well, especially in relation to North Vietnam.

While this novel could have easily veered into sentimentality, it retains a gritty edge from start to finish, forcing readers to consider the grim repercussions of war, and the long-term effects it can have on citizens and soldiers alike. The intense amount of research that was done and the historical framework into which this story is woven also gives the novel immense power. At times, one forgets they are reading fiction, as the characters are so richly developed and the setting so frighteningly recognizable. While many have shied away from the many mistakes and atrocities committed during this conflict, Rooney isn’t afraid to depict and discuss these tragic failings in detail.

Creating a believable romance in any context can be difficult, but bridging cultural, religious, philosophical, and national borders in the same budding love is something altogether different. Rooney shapes Tran and Jack beautifully and patiently, pushing them into impossible situations, then extricating them as more connected and engaging characters for readers to support. Whether you are passionate about Vietnam War history, crave suspenseful plot-driven romances, or want to peer a bit deeper into the depths of human nature and the cruelty of war, this book attacks on all fronts.

Occasionally, the dialogue veers into proselytizing, or comes off as somewhat unrealistic – more a “great line” than something that rings true as everyday speech. There are also some moments when the procedural aspects of the military movements become a bit dry, and seemingly unconnected to the plot. For an author as clearly meticulous and thorough as Rooney, this level of insight comes as no surprise, but some readers may find the amount of detail slightly above their rank, so to speak.

That said, True North is successful specifically because the immersive detail is complete and unwavering – both about the war and this couple’s story. It is difficult not to feel transported to the rice paddies and bloody fields of Vietnam, to feel the pain of lost love, the lack of justice, and the senseless horror of this period in history. It may not always be pleasant, but this type of brutally honest writing reiterates the lessons of the past in an essential way.