Books matching: vietnamese culture
42 result(s)
- #1
Save:Set in ancient Vietnam, Bronze Drum tells the legend of two sisters who led a rebellion against the Han Chinese rulers in their land. Tr ng Tr c and Tr ng Nh are daughters of a lord and raised as ladies. But Lord Tr ng knows that they may one day have to protect themselves from the Han and so he does everything he can to have them trained in the art of fighting and in leadership. As tragedies grip their family, Tr c and Nh are driven to revenge, raising an army of eighty thousand women to defeat the Han. The author focused more on the characters than the epic war and battle scenes. In some ways, it felt more like a prequel to the Trung sisters legend, since their revolution doesn't happen until the second half of the story. According to an interview with the author, the original draft was much longer, which may explain why the second half of the novel seemed less detailed. I wish there were a director's cut of this novel, to read the full story. However, I still highly enjoyed this version.
- #2
Save:The novel 'Build Your House Around My Body' by Violet Kupersmith is a slow burn puzzle of a mystery that combines Vietnamese mythology and folklore. The story follows Winnie, an American with a Vietnamese father, as she becomes involved in a complex web of family history, Vietnamese society, magic, and horror. The narrative skillfully weaves together multiple timelines, exploring themes of colonialism, trauma, and revenge against the backdrop of Vietnam. The book is described as a masterful novel with a haunting atmosphere, vivid descriptions of settings, and deeply written female characters.
Something was moving in the shrubs in front of Tan Son Nhat Airport. It was one in the morning, and Winnie had stepped off a plane twenty minutes ago. Her connecting flight had been held up by a summe... 'Fire in the Lake: The Vietnamese and the Americans in Vietnam' by Frances FitzGerald is a detailed nonfiction account that delves into the events leading up to and during the Vietnam War. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the war from both the Vietnamese and American perspectives, shedding light on the cultural, social, and political factors that influenced the conflict. FitzGerald's writing style is praised for its depth and clarity, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the complexities surrounding the war.
The emperor of China sits on a raised dais in a vast hall thronged with the mandarins in their embroidered robes. The hall itself lies within the maze of a palace as large as any city on the earth; a ...Kim Thuy's novel 'Vi' follows the journey of a young Vietnamese girl named Vi and her family as they navigate the aftermath of the Vietnam War and resettle in Canada. Through a series of brief sketches, the book explores Vi's coming of age, her experiences as a refugee, and her struggles with identity and belonging in a new country. Thuy's writing style is described as poetic, minimalist, and exquisite, capturing the essence of Vietnamese culture and the complexities of Vi's personal growth.
I WONDER IF THE openness regarding personal details derives from the tropical temperatures that discourage the shutting of doors, windows, and walls; the lack of space between the two or three generat...- #5
Save:"The Refugees" by Viet Thanh Nguyen is a collection of poignant stories that bring history alive without being gruesome or maudlin. The book delves into the trials and tribulations faced by refugees as they try to adapt to a new way of living in a foreign country, becoming someone entirely new. The stories capture the essence of displacement and the search for home, exploring the dilemmas faced by various characters with simplicity and depth.
Nguyen's writing style artfully conveys the uglier aspects of poverty as characters navigate through different landscapes, both physical and emotional. The narratives skillfully blend hauntingly beautiful and wise storytelling with a touch of humor, creating a vivid portrayal of the lives of refugees and the complexities of their experiences.
Fame would strike someone, usually the kind that healthy-minded people would not wish upon themselves, such as being kidnapped and kept prisoner for years, suffering humiliation in a sex scandal, or s... - #6
Save:Paradise of the Blind by Duong Thu Huong is a novel that delves into the complexities of life in Vietnam under a Communist regime. The story follows Hang, a young woman who navigates the tensions between her mother's family and her father's family, highlighting the impact of government policies on personal relationships. Through a series of flashbacks, the reader is taken on a journey through Hang's life, revealing the sacrifices made by the women in her family and the struggles they face in a changing society. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of family conflict, tradition, resilience, and the effects of Communism on individuals, all set against the backdrop of post-war Vietnam.
Duong Thu Huong's writing style in Paradise of the Blind is described as rich and detailed, with a focus on everyday life in Vietnam that immerses the reader in the sights, sounds, and tastes of the country. The use of flashbacks within flashbacks allows the author to unravel the intricate history of Vietnam, intertwining personal stories with the nation's troubled past. The narrative skillfully explores themes of generational divides, cultural traditions, and the struggle for individual autonomy in a society marked by Confucian values and Communist ideologies.
- #7
Save:'Lunar New Year Love Story' by Gene Luen Yang is a heartwarming graphic novel centered around Valentina Tran, a Vietnamese American teenager who is grappling with the idea of love due to her family's supposed curse. Valentina becomes involved in lion dancing for the Lunar New Year celebration, where she meets two boys from a Kung Fu Lion Dance Studio, Les and Jae. As she navigates her feelings and relationships, she makes a deal with the ghost of St. Valentine to prove that true love exists within her family. The story beautifully explores themes of teen girlhood, love, family, and cultural heritage, all set against the backdrop of the Lunar New Year festivities.
Gene Luen Yang's storytelling is praised for its engaging and relatable nature, while LeUyen Pham's stunning artwork adds depth and beauty to the narrative. delves into the complexities of relationships and love, balancing moments of darkness with a message of hope and resilience. With a mix of romance, cultural representation, and coming-of-age themes, 'Lunar New Year Love Story' offers a unique and heartwarming reading experience.
- #8
Save:The Citadel of Weeping Pearls by Aliette de Bodard is a space opera novella set in the Xuya Universe, focusing on a galactic empire of Vietnam Dai Viet ruled by an aging empress. The disappearance of an eminent scientist who was searching for a lost citadel founded by a rebellious princess decades ago sets off a chain of events involving time travel, family ties, and impending war with another spacefaring civilization. The story intricately weaves together themes of grief, loneliness, and mother-daughter relationships against a backdrop of high technology and traditional Vietnamese culture, all captured delicately through the author's exquisite writing style.
There was a sound, on the edge of sleep: Suu Nuoc wasn't sure if it was a bell and a drum calling for enlightenment; or the tactics-master sounding the call to arms; in that breathless instant—hanging... - #9
Save:The Mountains Sing is a multigenerational saga set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, following the Tran family through harrowing experiences of loss, resilience, and survival. The story alternates between past and present, narrated by grandmother Tran Dieu Lan and granddaughter H Noi, providing a poignant account of the impact of war on ordinary Vietnamese families. The book delves into the struggles faced by the characters during turbulent periods like the Land Reform, Japanese invasion, and the aftermath of the Vietnam War, highlighting themes of family bonds, sacrifice, and endurance.
My grandmother used to tell me that when our ancestors die, they don’t just disappear, they continue to watch over us. And now, I feel her watching me as I light a match, setting fire to three sticks ... - #10
Save:The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh is a multi-generational tale that follows the lives of Vietnamese women from Vietnam to Little Saigon in Orange County, California, exploring themes of family curses, mother-daughter relationships, and Vietnamese culture. The book delves into the complexities of family dynamics, intergenerational trauma, and the struggles of balancing traditions with modern values, all while maintaining a whimsical and wickedly funny writing style that brings the setting of Little Saigon to life.
