Operation Brighteyes:

Vietnamese boat person Phong V. Quong has photographic proof that an American soldier is still being held prisoner in the Mekong Delta. When he submits the photos to the U.S. joint military intelligence committee, he sets in motion an ultra-secret, highly dangerous rescue attempt. To ensure the mission's success, Phong must return to Vietnam, an act that risks both his life and that of his sister, whose escape he hopes to facilitate. Army career officer Sinor achieves authenticity with his use of military lingo, but it is the scenes that focus on life in Vietnam that really succeed. Quong's role in the early '70s as a mapmaker for the U.S. Army in Saigon and his life after the fall and under the Communist regime are convincingly portrayed. Although the dialogue is generally wooden and the ending somewhat abrupt, this first novel is a credible, thoughtful view of the Vietnam conflict. (September)