A bit difficult to get into and sometimes confusing because I don't know Vietnamese history. Beginning in 1942 when Vietnam was under French colonialism. Tayet is a young divorcee with a small daughter. She meets and falls in love with a Japanese Major, Takeski and they marry. Japan is attempting to take over Vietnam as they are losing in WWII.

The couple's life is good for a while but then the Japanese pull out and chaos takes over the country with Vietnamese Resistance fighters against both the French and the Japanese. Takeski realizes the damages colonialism has done and joins the Resistance.

There is brutality, but it sheds a light on the terrible history of Vietnam still much that I didn't quite understand. It also seemed realistic with the characters believable. The ending is bittersweet. ( )

Recommend ( )

Following the end of WWII, this book sets up and outlines the tragic history of Vietnam during the Cold War. Tuyet, her Aunt Coi, cousin Ha and daughter Anh are eking out a living with a small storefront in the village of Phan Thiet. When Japanese Major Takeshi reaches out to Tuyet to get a feel for the village, she is instantly suspicious and worried about what her neighbors will say. She directs him elsewhere, but slowly begins to date and see the Major. As their relationship grows, relationships between the Japanese, French, and Vietnamese worsens and interrupts in violence.

This book was fascinating! I have never read anything about Vietnam during this period of time. I found it historically enlightening. The characters were well developed, I felt connected to them even through time and cultural differences. I would love to read more from this author. Overall, highly recommended. ( )