There It Is by Ken Harper - A Vietnam War Coming-of-Age

In this review of There It Is, Ken Harper delivers a picaresque coming-of-age novel that will appeal to readers who want a readable, often funny but sincere account of a young soldier's experience in the later years of the Vietnam War. The bottom line: this is a character-driven story about Farragut Birdwell that balances humor and heart, and it is worth reading for anyone who values clear prose and sharp observational voice in a war novel. The narrative cadence and readability make it a strong choice for readers seeking an accessible literary take on wartime coming-of-age.

Key Features

• Character-driven narrative: The novel focuses tightly on Farragut Birdwell's growth, making his choices and missteps the engine that carries readers through the story.
• Picaresque structure: Episodes range from comic to poignant, giving the book varied pacing and a sense of episodic adventure that highlights the protagonist's resilience.
• Readable prose: Customers praise the book's readability, which helps complex emotional material feel immediate and approachable.
• Humor amid hardship: Harper balances the darker realities of Vietnam with sly, often self-aware humor that humanizes the main character.
• Coming-of-age focus: The story traces Farragut's attempts to fit in and his complicated relationship with a decorated military father, creating a strong emotional throughline.
• War setting authenticity: Scenes such as Farragut's near-joining of the 101st Airborne and his time as a grunt lend situational realism without bogging down the narrative.

Who It's For

There It Is will suit readers of literary and genre fiction who prefer novels centered on a single, vividly drawn protagonist rather than sprawling historical epics. Fans of character studies and witty first-person episodes that examine identity and family dynamics during wartime will find much to admire.

Readers seeking a tactical military history or a heavily researched, documentary-style Vietnam account should look elsewhere; this book leans into personal experience and voice rather than exhaustive detail about campaigns or strategy.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Engaging, accessible prose that makes the book easy to read in long sittings.
• Effective mix of humor and pathos that deepens emotional investment in Farragut.
• Strong central character whose cleverness and fallibility feel authentic.

Cons

• The episodic, picaresque structure may feel uneven to readers who prefer tightly plotted novels.

Specifications

Title	There It Is
Author	Ken Harper
Genre	Coming-of-age / War fiction
Setting	Later years of the Vietnam War
Main character	Farragut Birdwell, a young soldier
Tone	Picaresque, humorous and heartfelt

Our Verdict

There It Is is a rewarding choice for readers who want a readable, character-focused Vietnam novel that balances comedy and seriousness. Its narrative voice and emotional honesty make it good value for anyone interested in a personal coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of war.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this novel based on real events?
Answer. The book is a fictional, character-driven novel set during the later years of the Vietnam War rather than a literal memoir.

How long is the book to read?
Answer. Customers describe the prose as highly readable, so most readers will find it moves at a steady pace without heavy technical detail.

Does the story focus on combat?
Answer. Combat appears as part of Farragut's experience, but the primary focus is on his growth, choices, and family dynamics rather than detailed battlefield accounts.