Nguyen Cao Ky served as South Vietnam’s prime minister and its vice president during the years of the Vietnam War’s escalation, and of subsequent criticism of the war from the U. S. His memoir provides an insider’s look at the disputes and corruption within the government of South Vietnam and the diplomatic struggles with the U. S. during this time. Ky, who was also a military pilot and held the rank of marshal, gives insight into the South Vietnamese military as well, criticizing inaccurate reporting on the war and drawing attention to stories that journalists avoided. Assessing the U. S. ambassadors Bunker and Martin and the role played by foreign aid, Nguyen paint an eye-opening picture of how American politics and elections had a profound effect upon U. S. allies.