Title
The Sacred Willow: Four Generations in the Life of a Vietnamese Family,Used
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A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, Duong Van Mai Elliott's The Sacred Willow illuminates recent Vietnamese history by weaving together the stories of the lives of four generations of her family. Beginning with her greatgrandfather, who rose from rural poverty to become an influential landowner, and continuing to the present, Mai Elliott traces her family's journey through an era of tumultuous change. She tells us of childhood hours in her grandmother's silk shop, and of hiding while French troops torched her village, watching while blossoms torn by fire from the trees flutter "like hundreds of butterflies" overhead. She makes clear the agonizing choices that split Vietnamese families: her eldest sister left her staunchly anticommunist home to join the Viet Minh, and spent months sleeping in jungle camps with her infant son, fearing air raids by day and tigers by night. And she follows several family members through the last, desperate hours of the fall of Saigonincluding one nephew who tried to escape by grabbing the skid of a departing American helicopter. Based on family papers, dozens of interviews, and a wealth of other research, this is not only a memorable family saga but a record of how the Vietnamese themselves have experienced their times.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book has five hundred forty-four pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of Vietnamese history through personal family narratives.
- Q: What binding does this book have? A: This book is a paperback edition. This makes it lightweight and flexible, suitable for reading on the go.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Mai Elliott. She shares her family's journey through significant historical events in Vietnam.
- Q: What age group is this book suitable for? A: This book is suitable for adults and young adults. Its themes explore complex historical and familial issues.
- Q: Is this book a work of fiction or non-fiction? A: This book is non-fiction. It recounts real-life experiences of a Vietnamese family across generations.
- Q: How do I read this book effectively? A: To read this book effectively, take your time to absorb the historical context. Consider keeping a journal to note reflections.
- Q: Is this book suitable for casual readers? A: Yes, this book is suitable for casual readers. However, readers interested in history may find it particularly engaging.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store this book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve the binding and pages.
- Q: Can I lend this book to others? A: Yes, you can lend this book to others. Just ensure it's returned in good condition to maintain its quality.
- Q: What should I do if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the seller for a return or replacement. Keep the packaging for reference.
- Q: How do I clean this book if it gets dirty? A: To clean this book, gently wipe the cover with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using any harsh chemicals.
- Q: What if I lose a page from the book? A: If you lose a page, you may need to replace the book. Check with the seller for options on replacements.
- Q: Is this book based on true historical events? A: Yes, the book is based on true historical events. It combines family stories with significant moments in Vietnamese history.
- Q: How does this book compare to other historical narratives? A: This book offers a personal perspective, distinguishing it from other historical narratives. It connects individual lives to broader historical events.
- Q: Are there any specific themes in this book? A: Yes, major themes include family, resilience, and the impact of war. These themes are explored through the author's family history.