What an eye-opener is this book! I have read about the Vietnam War and have been familiar with the history of the country. I have been an admirer of the Vietnamese courage and valor in defending their homeland and defeating the imperialists. But although there are countless highly educated Vietnamese here unfortunately I have never had the good fortune of having the opportunity to talk to any of them. This book was educational in a beautiful and poetic language which was also easy to read, comprehend and even relate to. You will shed some tears along the way but you will also be awestruck. An incredible historical fiction that you simply don't want to put down. Please read it.