Close-Up On War

 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Farrell, Mary Cronk. (2022). Close-up on war. Abrams. ISBN 9781419746611

PLOT SUMMARY

In this biography, Mary Cronk Farrell writes the true story about a French journalist, Catherine Leroy. In 1966, she flew to Vietnam to travel alongside with the marines to capture, photograph, and document the events they lived through the bloody war.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Farrell writes this colorful, descriptive biography about a pioneering photojournalist, Catherine

Leroy. Leroy was the only brave female photojournalist that chose to experience what the marines

experienced in this bloody war. Leroy crawled in dirt, witnessed shootings, beatings, death, bombings,

and was even shot and captured by the North Vietnamese soldiers, all alongside with the marines.

But nothing stopped her from documenting the true torturous reality of war. 

This book is rich with historical, raw, uncensored photos and letters of war from cover to cover

capturing every moment she witnessed. This should be a staple in every history class, not only

because of the war, but also for the bravery and courage of Cathrine Leroy. I would recommend

this book for 12 year olds and older.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

“This excellently written account will leave readers marveling at Leroy’s determination, bravery,

and disregard for her own safety as she documented what was happening in Vietnam. A riveting

biography that puts an overlooked, award-winning female photojournalist into historical context.”

– Starred review by Kirkus Review

"Smooth, engaging writing nimbly avoids the doldrums of stats-saturated reportage, taking a

human-interest approach to the war and putting readers directly in the action beside Leroy. . .

Source notes, image credits, and a bibliography speak to Farrell’s diligent research into this

inspiring but under-recognized woman’s life."

– Starred review by Booklist

“This is really three books in one—it tells of the work of Leroy, describes the daily ­workings of war

correspondents of that era, and gives a glimpse into life during the 

­Vietnam War—excelling at each. History buffs looking for a personal account of the war will enjoy

this book.”

– Starred review by School Library Journal

CONNECTIONS

“It is an inspiring story of a young girl who decided she wanted to become a photo-journalist and

she did. That's a great story for any age person to read.”

Based on a review by Q. Pierre.

This should be a staple in every history class, not only because of the war, but also for the bravery

and courage of Cathrine Leroy. I would recommend this book for 12 year olds and older.

AWARDS

• SPUR Award for Best Juvenile Fiction
• Nomination for the Washington State Book Award