Philip Caputo is an American author and journalist best known for his acclaimed memoir "A Rumor of War," which chronicles his experiences as a Marine during the Vietnam War. First published in 1977, the book has sold over 1.5 million copies, been translated into 15 languages, and is widely regarded as a classic in war literature. Caputo has authored 18 books, including fiction, memoirs, and nonfiction, with notable works such as "Acts of Faith," a novel set in Sudan, and "The Longest Road," a New York Times best-selling travel memoir documenting his cross-country journey from Florida to Alaska. His upcoming book, "Memory and Desire," is set for release in September 2023.
Caputo's writing spans multiple genres, often exploring themes of conflict, morality, and the human condition. His 2019 collection of linked short stories, "Hunter's Moon," received critical acclaim for its portrayal of middle-aged masculinity in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Similarly, his 2017 novel, "Some Rise by Sin," delves into the moral struggles of a priest in a Mexican village besieged by cartel violence. Before transitioning to full-time book writing, Caputo worked as a foreign correspondent for the Chicago Tribune, reporting from conflict zones such as Beirut, Saigon, and Moscow. His journalistic background informs his vivid, unflinching prose, earning him accolades including a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting.
Caputo's contributions to literature and journalism have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Overseas Press Club Award and the Connecticut Book Award. His works have been adapted for television and film, with "A Rumor of War" becoming a CBS miniseries and "Acts of Faith" optioned for a TV series. He divides his time between Connecticut and Arizona with his wife, Leslie Ware, a novelist and artist. Caputo continues to write with the same intensity and insight that have defined his decades-long career.