Death Coming Up The Hill: A Novel

The Vietnam War was a complex conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1955 to 1975 that influenced not only military strategies but also societal, political, and cultural landscapes. Chris Crowe’s novel, Death Coming Up the Hill, navigates through this turbulent period, portraying the Vietnam War’s reverberations across American individuals and society. Set against the backdrop of the late 1960s, the novel is immersed in the Vietnam War’s political entanglements and moral quandaries. During this time, the United States was embroiled in a protracted struggle to contain the spread of communism in Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam. The year 1968, a critical juncture in the war, witnessed pivotal events that dramatically impacted both the war’s trajectory and the nation’s psyche. In his novel, Crowe portrays how “the fog of war cast a haze” over everything (26).

The 1968 Tet Offensive, a series of surprise attacks launched by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces on South Vietnam’s cities and military installations, marked a turning point in the conflict. Despite the military setbacks faced by the attackers, the Tet Offensive profoundly influenced public opinion in the United States. It shattered the prevailing belief that victory was imminent and eroded faith in the government’s claims of progress in the war effort. Crowe, through a character, notes how the Tet Offensive “caught [Americans] by surprise” (40). The novel subtly echoes this sentiment through Ashe’s interactions, encapsulating the growing skepticism and disillusionment among Americans.

The war’s impact extended far beyond military engagements, infiltrating the very fabric of American society. The anti-war movement gained momentum as citizens questioned the war’s morality and necessity. Widespread protests, demonstrations, and a vocal counterculture emerged, reflecting deep societal divisions and growing disillusionment with government policies. Ashe’s internal conflicts in the novel mirror this societal unrest, offering a microcosm of the generational divide and moral ambiguity prevalent during this period. Additionally, the war of opposing ideologies between Ashe’s parents sheds light on the pro-war and anti-war sentiments.

During the Vietnam War, both soldiers and civilians endured harrowing experiences and psychological distress. Hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese soldiers and civilians died, as did over 50,000 American soldiers and numerous soldiers from other nations. Ashe’s journey exemplifies the weight of moral decisions, the anguish of separation, and the disillusionment with the war’s ambiguous objectives experienced by many in the United States. The narrative portrays the trauma, loss, and emotional scars inflicted by the conflict, resonating with the broader narrative of war’s enduring impact on individuals.

The Vietnam War also brought forth a wave of social and cultural transformation. The Civil Rights Movement, which advocated for racial equality, intersected with the anti-war protests, highlighting the interconnection of social justice movements. Crowe records the violence, injustice, and discrimination against racial minorities that was widespread during this era. The novel illustrates how societal upheaval transcended singular issues, affecting a broader landscape of values, beliefs, and social norms.