After the Vietnam/American war, the country of Vietnam found itself free, but economically unstable. Many of the men had died, which left most women widowed and forced into prostitution. Additionally, much of the country was destroyed by the years of fighting, napalm, and Agent Orange. Those affected by Agent Orange found that their children were stillborn or severely deformed. Vietnam may have gained independence, but at a terrible price to the people. Like the women in Bao Ninh’s novel, the story of North Vietnam was silenced by guilt and the government. But the tragedy of rape, prostitution, sacrifice and silence is finally heard by caring and loyal readers.
