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Literary Fiction· United States

Paco's Story

by Larry Heinemann
Aggregate Editorial Score49/100
★National Book Award
Published 1987English
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About This Book

Published in 1987, Paco's Story established Larry Heinemann as one of the defining voices in literary fiction. Paco Sullivan, the sole survivor of a company of American soldiers massacred in Vietnam, returns to the United States and drifts through civilian life unable to connect. Heinemann's National Book Award winner is one of the most uncompromising Vietnam War novels, narrated by the ghosts of Paco's dead comrades. Themes of Vietnam War, trauma, survivor's guilt run through the work. The book has received recognition from National Book Award 1987.

Book Details

AuthorLarry Heinemann
Published1987
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780374528867
Editorial Score49/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Larry Heinemann published Paco's Story in 1987, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from United States. The book's treatment of Vietnam War, trauma, survivor's guilt, isolation accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Among its recognitions: National Book Award 1987. With an editorial score of 49/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. The appeal of Paco's Story lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of Vietnam War, trauma, survivor's guilt, isolation is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Paco's Story reflects Larry Heinemann's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United States's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

National Book Award
winner · national
198749
✍️
About the Author
Larry Heinemann
United States
View Author →

Larry Heinemann is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Paco's Story about?

Paco Sullivan, the sole survivor of a company of American soldiers massacred in Vietnam, returns to the United States and drifts through civilian life unable to connect. Heinemann's National Book Award winner is one of the most uncompromising Vietnam War novels, narrated by the ghosts of Paco's dead comrades.

Who wrote Paco's Story?

Paco's Story was written by Larry Heinemann, from United States. First published in 1987.

What awards has Paco's Story won?

Paco's Story has received the following awards and honours: National Book Award 1987.

Is Paco's Story worth reading?

Paco's Story is a notable work that has earned critical attention, with an aggregate editorial score of 49/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in Vietnam War, trauma, survivor's guilt.

Where can I buy Paco's Story?

You can buy Paco's Story on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Paco's Story?

Paco's Story is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Paco's Story from?

Paco's Story originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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