V is for Vietnam
Forty years ago this week United States troops pulled out of Vietnam. There will be many articles, news reports, and ceremonies commemorating this historical event. It is only fitting that during this A to Z Blog Challenge week, we look back and reflect on how this event affected the refugees that fled Vietnam and began their lives again far from their homeland.
Inside Out & Back Again
By Thanhha Lai
Harper Collins:2011
Ages 8- 12
I am almost embarrassed to admit that this novel-in-verse has been sitting unread on my bookshelf for a number of years. I finally read it as part of the A-Z blog challenge when I was looking for a book set in Vietnam. I am already planning to reread it and savor every perfect word. The book has rightfully received many rewards including the Newbery Honor and a National Book Award.
Inside Out and Back Again is set in 1975 and tells the story of ten year old Kim Ha, who lives in Saigon with her mother and three older brothers. Her parents had fled North Vietnam years before and her Vietnamese naval father, has been missing in action for nine years. Ha’s life is focused on family, school, and the papaya tree that she tends. But the war is changing their lives. Food is difficult to obtain, schools have closed, most of the Americans have left, and the Communists are coming closer. The family must make the painful choice to leave their home before the government collapses. On the exact day that Saigon falls to the Communists, they are able to flee on a crowded ship where they flounder at sea until rescued by the U.S. Navy. They travel to Guam, Florida, and finally to Alabama. Once settled in Alabama, the family faces prejudice and struggles as they learn to speak English and adapt to a new life.
Inside Out & Back Again is written in first person, narrative verse. It covers one year in the life of Ha as she experiences upheaval but remains hopeful in the midst of change. The book is based on the childhood experiences of the author Thanhha Lai who shares her story in an interview included in the book. This incredible story describes the experiences and emotions of refugees . It is an emotional and beautiful book that needs to be shared so that we can better understand those who leave their homelands and begin again.
You might be interested in this article from The Seattle Times on how the state of Washington and then Governor Dan Evans helped to settle refugees from Vietnam.
What a great choice for letter V, Claire. I haven’t read this book but is is now on my to-read list. The Vietnam War never leaves anyone indifferent and I relate to stories of people who have left their homeland to start a new life from scratch. The circumstances for tKim Ha are particulary somber and of course her arrival with her family in the USA must have triggered racism, prejudice and incomprehension. I like it that there is a note of hope and this would be a terrific book to discuss in class. See you on Monday.
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I’m so glad I finally read this book. It is written in verse which works so well.
I saw a review for this book on another blog a few month s ago; I think it would be interesting to read a whole book in verse. Fascinating story too!
betty
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I like books written in verse when they are well written. This one is just about perfect.
Ive been meaning to read this book. so many books so little time.
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Yes – you must read this one. It won’t take you too long and it is definitely worth it to understand what refugees go through.
Thanks for highlighting this book. I’ve been wanting to read it as well.
Hi Tina, It doesn’t take long to read. It is a powerful book told with just the right words.
Living through he Vietnam War was such a sad and emotional time for me and in our history. It is important for us to be aware of the people there who were so greatly affected. We tend to look at it from our own perspective. Thank you for sharing this.
It was a tough time to grow up. It is good to learn how the war affected others. So sad.