“Do you see how beautifully this hardship has shaped and formed the stretching branches and foliage, like long slender fingers pointing toward the sea?”
Hoang Chi Truong’s autobiography of her experience as a young girl fleeing the Vietnam war is fascinating on many levels: as an insight into Vietnamese culture, both before and after the war; as a harrowing tale of the upheaval and existential terror of having to flee your own country to save your life; of the nuanced and changing feelings towards the culture and people that take you in as a refugee.
I found the story gripping from start to finish. The language is precise and evocative, with moments of poetic beauty, such as the quote above. I recommend you read the story of TigerFish, not only for its own many merits, but as a stark reminder of the need for countries to be bigger and wiser and kinder towards refugees.
You can purchase a copy here:
“… a stark reminder of the need for countries to be bigger and wiser and kinder towards refugees.”
I’m honored and grateful for your eloquent and heartfelt review that captures the essence of my message to the world. My gratitude for your readership, support, and encouragement as I continue working on my next book addressing the jarring acculturation and assimilation process for these refugees.
It’s my pleasure. It’s a hugely important message but what’s so good about your book is that it’s not just about that – it is a real joy to read for its insights into the two cultures and peoples, as well as for the excitement of the story itself. Good luck with the next book, I thought there was scope there for more! 🙂
An insightful review of a very thought provoking book
and so timely given what is happening around the world today.
Thank you Linda! It is a wonderful book, and extremely important in our current climate…
You’ve piqued my interest and I willlook for it. Thanks Steve.
You won’t regret it, Lee-Anne!