In the early 1960s, Jerry Rose, a writer and artist, travels to Vietnam to teach English and gather material for his writing. Almost accidentally, he becomes one of America’s most important war correspondents. He interviews Vietnamese villagers in a countryside riddled by a war of terror and embeds himself with soldiers on the ground—the start of a dramatic and dangerous career. Through his stories and photographs, he exposes the secret beginnings of America’s Vietnam War at a time when most Americans have not yet heard of Vietnam. His writing is described as“war reporting that ranks with the best of Ernest Hemingway and Ernie Pyle.”
In spring 1965, Jerry agrees to serve as an advisor to the Vietnamese government at the invitation of his friend and former doctor, who is the new Prime Minister. He hopes to use his deep knowledge of the country to help Vietnam. In September 1965, while on a trip to investigate corruption in the provinces of Vietnam, Jerry dies in a plane crash in Vietnam.
Now, more than half a century later, his sister, Lucy Rose Fischer, has drawn on her late brother’s journals, letters,and other writings to craft his story. She has written this memoir in “collaboration” with her late brother—giving the term “ghostwritten” a whole new meaning.
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The Journalist takes you on an in-person experience through the Vietnam War through the writing and images of Jerry A. Rose and Lucy Rose Fischer. I enjoyed the personal aspect and point of view that we were able to wrap ourselves up in throughout the journal-turned-book. This book grabbed my attention as it appealed to my childhood desire to become a journalist.
We can pick up numerous history books about the specifics of the Vietnam War; but I enjoy the personal voice we hear through the pages. During times of war, we often find that we get one view from the news outlets/media and then later, discover a deeper look into the full situation that completely turns our POV upside down. We are often thrust into the trenches of war stories; but with this one, we experience the beginning times that were ignored by the entire world.
As a journalist, the war took Rose away from his family and "normal" daily life. Without a doubt, this took a toll on his relationships and personal development in his career, marriage, and parenting. The ability to follow along with this journey pulls you in, curious as to what direction the choices are going to take him.
It's rare that we get a look at real-life photographs that accompany the story in front of us. With "adult" books, we are forced to use our imagination and personal knowledge in creating the images. We are treated to a few photographs that Rose personally took and see why he was award-winning!
Both of my teen boys are interested in history and this is a book I feel like is a good read for them as well. I think that Lucy Rose Fischer did her brother a beautiful job by creating this in readable form for the public.
About the Authors:
Jerry A. Rose published feature articles and photographs in TIME, The New York Times, The Saturday Evening Post, New Republic, The Reporter, and other news venues. He authored two books:Reported to be Alive and Face of Anguish, a book of his photographs. He was one of the most accomplished journalists of his time.
Lucy Rose Fischer, Jerry’s younger sister, an award-winning Minnesota author, artist, and social scientist, is the author of five previous books:Linked Lives: Adult Daughters and Their Mothers; Older Minnesotans; Older Volunteers; I’m New at Being Old; and Grow Old With Me, as well as more than 100 professional research articles.She has a PhD in sociology and an MA in Asian Studies
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