Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Up Country summary
Brief summary
Up Country by Nelson DeMille is a gripping thriller that takes readers on a journey through the war-torn landscape of Vietnam. With a mix of suspense, action, and historical insight, it's a captivating tale of redemption and justice.
Topics
Table of Contents
Up Country
Summary of key ideas
Unearthing Dark Secrets
In Up Country by Nelson DeMille, we meet Paul Brenner, a retired army investigator who is called back to Vietnam to investigate a murder that took place during the war. He is tasked with finding the truth about the death of a young American soldier, a case that was never solved. As he delves deeper into the investigation, Brenner begins to unearth dark secrets about the war and the people who fought in it.
Accompanied by Susan Weber, an expatriate who has lived in Vietnam since the war, Brenner starts his journey in Saigon. As they travel up country, they encounter the remnants of war, the country's complex political landscape, and the people who lived through the conflict. They also face danger from those who do not want the truth to be revealed.
Revisiting the Horrors of War
As they travel, Brenner and Weber revisit the horrors of the war. They encounter former soldiers, both American and Vietnamese, who are still dealing with the trauma of the conflict. They also meet people who suffered greatly during the war and are still struggling to rebuild their lives. It becomes clear to Brenner that the war has left deep scars on both the land and its people.
Throughout their journey, Brenner and Weber's relationship evolves. Initially wary of each other, they develop a mutual respect and understanding. Weber, who has her own reasons for returning to Vietnam, provides Brenner with valuable insight into the country and its culture. Together, they navigate the challenges of their investigation and the dangerous terrain of post-war Vietnam.
Unraveling a Complex Conspiracy
As they get closer to the truth, Brenner and Weber find themselves embroiled in a complex conspiracy involving high-ranking officials from both the American and Vietnamese governments. They discover that the murder they are investigating is just one piece of a larger puzzle. The more they uncover, the more dangerous their mission becomes.
Despite facing numerous obstacles and threats, Brenner remains determined to uncover the truth. His unwavering commitment to justice and his relentless pursuit of the case make him a formidable adversary. As the pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place, the full extent of the conspiracy is revealed, shocking Brenner and Weber.
An Unforgettable Journey of Redemption
In the end, Up Country is not just a murder mystery set in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. It is a poignant exploration of the war's lingering impact on the people and the land. It's a journey of redemption, for both the characters and the country they are in. Brenner's quest for justice becomes a symbolic act of closure for a war-torn nation.
As Brenner and Weber leave Vietnam, they carry with them the weight of the past and the hope for a better future. Their journey, marked by danger, deception, and discovery, leaves a lasting impression. Up Country is a gripping, thought-provoking novel that illuminates the complex legacy of the Vietnam War and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Up Country about?
Up Country by Nelson DeMille is a gripping novel that follows the journey of Paul Brenner, a retired army investigator who is sent to Vietnam to unravel a murder mystery. As he delves into the heart of the country, he uncovers dark secrets and faces his own haunting past. Filled with suspense and rich historical detail, this book is a thrilling exploration of war, redemption, and the complexities of the human spirit.
Up Country Review
Up Country (2002) is a gripping thriller set in Vietnam, compelling readers to delve into a world of mystery and intrigue. Why this book is a must-read:
- With its twists and turns, the plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the truth behind the captivating storyline.
- The rich descriptions of Vietnam and its culture immerse readers in a vivid and authentic setting, enhancing the reading experience.
- Through its complex characters and intricate relationships, the book offers a deep dive into human nature and the effects of wartime experiences, ensuring a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Who should read Up Country?
Readers who enjoy suspenseful and gripping mystery novels
Those with an interest in exploring the complexities of the Vietnam War and its lingering impact
Individuals who appreciate well-developed and morally ambiguous characters
Categories with Up Country
Book summaries like Up Country
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
38 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Up Country FAQs
What is the main message of Up Country?
The importance of confronting the past for a peaceful future.
How long does it take to read Up Country?
Reading Up Country takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in minutes.
Is Up Country a good book? Is it worth reading?
Up Country is a gripping read that delves into history. Definitely worth your time.
Who is the author of Up Country?
Nelson DeMille is the author of Up Country.
What to read after Up Country?
If you're wondering what to read next after Up Country, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley