This novel is based on a complex family saga spanning almost a century of Vietnamese history, from the French colonial period through the communist Viet Minh's rise to power, the great hunger, the separation between North and South Vietnam, the Vietnam War, all the way to the present day.

Through drawing on her own family history, incorporating this with stories from other survivors, and by using her considerable research into the history of her country, Nguyen has given us rich and intimate insights into a world most of us have only ever seen through images on our television sets and reports in newspapers.

I have learned so much about Vietnamese history, customs and culture through this novel. It has definitely left me wanting to know more about the plight of the Vietnamese people. I recommend a timeline google search of the history alongside reading, it helps as the book switches backwards and forwards in time.

I don’t want to go into any detail about the stories which emerge because the power of this outstanding novel lies in the gradual revelations of just how many personal challenges this family has had to deal with. And despite the wrongdoing and grievances suffered, the forgiveness and patience that flowed through this family was nothing short of inspirational.

The author's writing style is very moving, it flows and really brings to focus the suffering experienced by individuals and families throughout this war.

Anyone who has read Kintu, Pachinko, Home Going and loved it, will most definitely love this one!