A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume Two”by Michael G. Kramer, takes a look at the post-Vietnam War era. It’s told from the point of view of the Boat People who had no choice but to flee their homes and find a new life in Australia.
The story highlights the cost of war and political upheaval, from the point of view of these people. The book looks into historical events, that can often go un-mentioned, with the conflict itself taking a more centre-stage in other representations.
The writing was detailed but straightforward, clear and engaging. It’s a noteworthy addition to the history genre of the Vietnam War era, and will appeal to anyone who loves a compelling story. ( )

"Delving into Michael G Kramer's 'A Gracious Enemy & After the War vol 2', I was struck by the intricate tapestry of post-Vietnam War events that it weaves. The narrative is centered around the aftermath of the U.S. exit from Indochina. This book sheds light on the Vietnamese 'Boat People's' exodus and their eventual settlement in Australia.
Kramer's approach to recounting these events is very detailed, providing a thorough backdrop against which individual stories unfold. While this depth of historical insight is commendable, it occasionally overshadows the personal narratives at the heart of the book. This imbalance sometimes made the reading experience more educational than emotive.
'A Gracious Enemy & After the War vol 2' is a significant work for those who seek to understand the lesser-known repercussions of the Vietnam War. ( )

This is such an entertaining read packed full of history, the author must have spent a great deal of time and energy on gathering this much information and translating it into a fantastic, educational, story. I love the style the book is written in, it makes it very easy to digest such a large intake of historical facts. I tend to loose interested in history books that spew endless dates and uninspiring facts but this book is the complete opposite of that, telling a mesmerising story while still providing all the information. I would have learnt a lot more about history in school if the text books had been structured in this way.
Overall, 'A Gracious Enemy & After the War vol 2' is a must-read for anyone with an interest in Vietnam and military history. It was powerful and moving. ( )

Oh, the tangled webs of history! Michael G Kramer takes us on a jaunt through the tendrils of the past in "A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume Two". This isn't your regular stroll down memory lane, folks. This is a deep dive into the murky waters of historical narratives, where the lines between the good, the bad, and the ugly blur, just like my vision when I’m trying to read the small print on the back of a medicine bottle.
The book picks up the threads left dangling in the first volume, diving headfirst into the stormy seas of the Dien Bien Phu events during 1953-1954, with a sidelong glance at the U.S's Operation Vulture and its nuclear ambitions. Imagine being a fly on the wall during those high-tension military strategizing sessions. The buzz (pun intended) would be palpable.
As we wade further into the narrative, we step into the quagmire of America's withdrawal from Indochina in 1975, and the ripple effects that ensued, like Vietnam's little 'house-cleaning' in Kampuchea in 1978​. And oh, the drama at the American embassy in Saigon. It’s like watching a thriller, only with real stakes and real tanks crashing through the gates​.
Michael G Kramer's prose isn’t one to shy away from the stark realities of war. It’s like he’s taken a flashlight to the shadowy corners of history, illuminating the dust and the cobwebs and the things we’d rather forget but absolutely shouldn’t. His narrative is a blend of cold hard facts, served with a side of personal anecdotes that add a sprinkle of humanity to the otherwise harsh historical truths.
And yet, amid the heavy air of historical discourse, the book does not forget to breathe. There’s a rhythm to the narrative that carries you along, much like a boat gently rocking on the waves of time, even as the storm of war rages around.
All in all, “A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume Two” isn’t just a read, it’s an experience. It’s a window into a past that’s both familiar and foreign, a reflection on the actions of nations and the individuals swept along in the tide of history. It’s not a light read by any stretch, but for those with a penchant for digging into the meaty substance of historical narratives, this book is a hearty meal waiting to be devoured.
Now, where did I put my reading glasses? ( )

A Dive into the Depths of War and Humanity: A Review of A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume 2 by Michael Kramer
A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume 2 was like a dance between the intricacies of war and the raw, unfiltered human emotions. It's not just about battles and strategies. Additionally, the author does an excellent job of putting the events of the war into context and explaining the larger picture, which helped to give a better understanding of the war and how it impacted the soldiers and civilians
This was such an interesting read packed full of history, author Kramer must have spent a great deal of time and energy on gathering this much information and translating it into a fantastic, educational, story. I love the style the book is written in, it makes it very easy to digest such a large intake of historical facts. The books pacing isn’t too fast either, so i didn’t fell as though I’d missed any of the details.
A Gracious Enemy & After the War Volume 2 is a credit to Kramer, who obviously delved very deep into his research. Not only is it an emotionally inspiring story , but it is also historically informative.... I Highly recommend it. ( )