Read an interview with Forsman and take a peek at photos from the book here on Smithsonian.org.

"What a remarkable set of photographs! Chuck Forsman's exploration of Vietnam, of getting lost in Vietnam, captures strikingly the beauty of human life and livelihood in a landscape many of us once reviled and worked to destroy and to which so many Vietnam vets have been drawn back again and again to ease our culpability. Le Ly Hayslip's emotional understanding of attachment to place uniquely frames the photos of her motherland, and every picture tells a story of people struggling daily for means to survive and to fashion meaning in their lives. Lost in Vietnam is that rare book that heals even as it enlightens."
—Joseph S. Wood, Senior Scholar, American Geographical Society, author of The New England Village, and combat engineer in Vietnam, 1970–1971

"Chuck Forsman's writings and beautifully composed and crafted photographs truthfully document the landscape and busyness and spirit of the cities and villages in post-war Vietnam. With this book, Forsman gives us a face, a community, and a landscape to consider. The images reveal the resilience and colorful culture of the Vietnamese people and the beauty and rejuvenation of their land. It celebrates the dreams and desires of a people and place that have known the tragedy of war for too long. The author has reconciled his involvement in the war through extensive travel and interaction with the people of Vietnam. Perhaps through his collection of photographic work and writings along with Le Ly Hayslip's moving essay, Vietnam veterans such as me will more easily follow the tradition of the Vietnamese people, who look forward to a happy and productive future and who do not inhabit a motorbike's rearview mirror to the past."
—Gary Freeburg, Professor of Art and Director of the Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art (retired) at James Madison University, author of The Valley of 10,000 Smokes: Revisiting the Alaskan Sublime, and Gunner's Mate, Special Weapons, USS Oriskany CVA 34, Vietnam, 1971–1973

"I bought this book for my husband who is a Vietnam vet and who is increasingly disabled from his exposure to Agent Orange. From the book title to the deep respect and stirring images and words, one knows they have not opened an ordinary book about one's experiences in Vietnam. The author's skill, knowledge, and honesty in words and image leaves one with an awe and respect for this ancient land. My husband has found it stirring, stunning, and serenely peaceful. Chuck Forsman, we thank you for its creation."
—Customer review on Amazon, July 24, 2019

Read a review on The VVA Veteran by Michael Keating.