Going After Cacciato by Tim O'Brien masterfully blends reality and fantasy in a Vietnam War narrative. Reviews praise its innovative structure and deep character exploration, though some find the switching between real and surreal disorienting. Overall, it's acclaimed for its powerful storytelling and poignant examination of war's impact on soldiers.

Readers who appreciate Tim O'Brien's Going After Cacciato will enjoy its blend of surrealism and gritty reality, much like Joseph Heller's Catch-22 or Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five. Fans of war literature that explores the psychological impact of combat and the nature of courage and confusion will find it compelling.

Going After Cacciato by Tim O'Brien explores the Vietnam War through the experiences of Paul Berlin, who is part of a squad sent to retrieve a fellow soldier, Cacciato, who is attempting to walk to Paris. The novel intertwines three narrative threads: realistic war experiences, Paul's contemplations during night watches, and an imaginative pursuit of Cacciato across an international landscape. The book addresses sensitive themes such as war trauma, violence, and death.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Contemplative / Challenging / Emotional

Tim O'Brien

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Going After Cacciato and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Going After Cacciato Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Going After Cacciato Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-8

Going After Cacciato Chapters 4-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

Going After Cacciato Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-15

Going After Cacciato Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-19

Going After Cacciato Chapters 16-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-22

Going After Cacciato Chapters 20-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-26

Going After Cacciato Chapters 23-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 27-30

Going After Cacciato Chapters 27-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-33

Going After Cacciato Chapters 31-33 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 34-37

Going After Cacciato Chapters 34-37 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 38-41

Going After Cacciato Chapters 38-41 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 42-46

Going After Cacciato Chapters 42-46 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Going After Cacciato Character Analysis

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Themes

Going After Cacciato Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Going After Cacciato Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Going After Cacciato Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Going After Cacciato Essay Topics

Going After Cacciato

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Going After Cacciato?

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Book Details