In the Shadow of Green Bamboos

A Time of Mulberry Sea

By: C.L. Hoang

Narrated by: Leyna Nguyen, Doug Haynie

Remarkable tales of love and hope, resilience and survival, from the Vietnam War

In the Shadow of Green Bamboos is part of a series of snapshots in the lives of a cross-section of people, Vietnamese and American, whose worlds were torn asunder by the Vietnam War.

A fortuitous encounter at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; a father-and-son outing that echoes a childhood trauma; a harrowing haunting finally laid to rest; two young brothers at their innocent play; the recovery of a lost family keepsake; Grandma sharing a fairy tale with her granddaughter.

These captured moments, ordinary though they may seem, reveal the blessings of love and hope in the course of everyday life. The stories they tell also stand as testaments to the resilience and courage of survivors struggling to rebuild from the ashes of war.

Remarkable Tales of Love and Hope, Resilience and Survival, from the Vietnam War

©2020 Chinh L. Hoang (P)2020 Chinh L. Hoang

Very enjoyable!

I served in the Vietnam war with great pride. The stories in this book made me remember why I was willing to give my life for the Vietnamese people. So much love and perseverance in each one. Thank you for putting these stories to words.

Endearing Short Stories

I was fortunate. As an 19 year old in 1974 I joined the United States Army and trained to become a Green Beret. It was too late to be sent to Vietnam. After a long, bloody and controversial conflict we had already abandoned them. I have often wondered of how my life would of been different if I had been sent.
The author references the Green Berets in this book but it is not about them that he writes about. He writes of the survivors. I found his short stories heartbreaking. I cried. The Parents, sibling, wives and children of those who fought. The author manages to emotionally bind us with the survivors and find hope that a life can go on despite the loss of family and homeland.
I listened to the Audible version and very much enjoyed the skill of the narrators.
My only criticism of the book is that there is not enough stories and hope for a second longer edition.

Wonderful stories of the effects of Vietnam war

I honestly loved this book! The stories each took me on a journey through the effects of the Vietnam war - both during and even long after. The characters were sensitively drawn, and extremely likeable. i enjoyed each of them, and especially enjoyed the intergenerational relationships. The various points of view given about the war - both from Vietnamese and Americans was insightful.
I loved how the common thread of the Viet Nam war united the stories. I read 'Once Upon A Mulberry Field' by this author, which is also incredible, and this is a lovely companion. please know that this book can absolutely stand alone. However, I recommend reading both as the characters overlap.
I found the infusion of the vietnamese language, customs and culture very interesting. I appreciated how the parents, in the midst of wartime, made sacrifices to allow their children to experience as much joy as was possible.
Having never been personally effected by war, I found this gentle, not overly dramatic, heartfelt collection of perspectives very touching and enlightening! Kudos once again, C L Hoang!