Coyote Jack: Drawing Meaning from Life and Vietnam

Jack Lyndon Thomas
lyndonjacks publications (2006)
ISBN 0965984311
Reviewed by Marcelline 'Marcy' Burns for Reader Views (10/06)

Memoirs, by definition, are written in order to remember and record. They are life snapshots of people and places filtered through the eyes of the writer, dimmed by the passage of time. Sometimes they are distorted by flawed perceptions or unresolved fears and angers. At their best, they bring a measure of resolution and peace to the writers.

Why specifically did Jack Lyndon Thomas write the memoir, “Coyote Jack?” There probably is no single and complete answer to that question, but his words suggest to this reader 1) that the son, Jack Thomas, wrote in hopes of reconciling, in memory, with his now-deceased father, 2) that the father, Jack Thomas, wrote of his failures as a parent in hopes that his daughters will understand and forgive, and 3) that the soldier in Vietnam, Lt. Thomas, was compelled to write to find meaning and resolution of guilt.

Initially, “Coyote Jack” seems to be a book most likely to be enjoyed by men. Many women will find the accounts of unloving and aggressive male-male interactions puzzling and disturbing. Many of us don’t understand and have little interest in military matters, violent behaviors (testosterone-fueled?), or macho actions. The many pictures will likely get a mixed review by female readers; some are fascinating, others are entirely uninteresting. But keep reading.

The poems that appear at the beginning of the chapters seem to reflect a more sensitive observer than one might expect from the narrative of “Coyote Jack.” Is it possible that beneath the bluster there is a kind and caring man? This is a good read for men, and it will also speak to women. Read on.

The author’s writing is best when it is simple and concise. On the other hand, some passages don’t quite work for this reader. Consider the following: “…Fireflies flitted in random flight patterns. Even water buffalo seemed to move with a lumbering grace. … poignant scents from incense, cooking fires, nuoc mam, decayed vegetation, mud, dung, and body odor melded together.”

The treasure of “Coyote Jack” lies in his telling of the small details of Vietnam life. The author’s narrative – not his fanciful descriptions – but the straightforward stories bring the people and places alive. Appealing children, stoic adults, terrible deprivations, horrific accidents, humidity and mud, and ever-present danger - the listing for this rich account could be long indeed, and altogether it allows the country and its people to become very real. .

Mr. Thomas doesn’t insult the reader by claiming that his return trip to Vietnam miraculously resolved all of the painful issues accumulated over his lifetime, culminating in Vietnam. He wrestled with many of his demons, and some of them are subdued. He is honest with the reader, and that is enough.

You may want to read this book if you struggle with family-related guilt and remorse. Certainly, “Coyote Jack” is a worthwhile read it if you have a connection with Vietnam. I am very glad it came into my hands, since I will soon travel to that part of the world.

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