Gardens in the Midst of War - by Karen Kaiser (Paperback)

About the Book

A fresh look at history masterfully told by someone who lived it. Illustrated with personal photographs.

Book Synopsis

In the spring of 1973, a young American couple, Karen and Steve, heads to Saigon, Republic of South Vietnam. Steve will begin work on a contract awarded to his employer by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). They could not have known that they would soon be witnesses to history.

Naïve and unprepared for what confronts them, the couple's resilience and determination are tested as they strive to create a life in a place so foreign and oppressive it's hard to function. Against the backdrop of an ongoing war, Steve works five and a half days a week while Karen finds employment at local schools. They enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and spend their free time discovering and exploring their new, fascinating environment.

By early April 1975, however, the war pushes against the outskirts of Saigon and the future of Steve's project is uncertain. The couple has a decision to make: stay and see what happens or go while there is still time. Are there commercial flights from Tan Son Nhut, or will the Air America helicopter pilot who lives downstairs haul them off the rooftop of their apartment building? Should Karen accompany the children on Operation Babylift?

This down-to-earth tale not only celebrates the adaptability of the human spirit but also exposes the dilemma faced by so many civilian ex-pats as South Vietnam came to grips with the fact that it had lost the war. It is the story of the fall of Saigon from a different perspective.

Review Quotes

"I can't tell you how compelling this book was. What an amazing story. I couldn't put it down." Caroline Marino, Proofreader

"As I approached the end of Gardens in the Midst of War, I began to feel a sadness as I projected the void this end would leave with me. Karen's storytelling folds you into her life and gives you a bird's eye view of the seventies, taking you through a delicate and skillfully written journey into her memories of 73-75. It just so happens she spent those years in Saigon. And what a tale to tell. As a contemporary of the author, I feel like we walked in a parallel universe. Karen in Saigon. Me stateside. How many of us American Baby Boomer women recall starting down a path that commingled the traditional role of wife along with the unchartered role of career-girl? Yet, how many were set on a world stage? How pale my experiences of the world were when viewed only through the distant lens of the media or of organized tours following the umbrella. This memoir is compelling and thought-provoking because it offers the unique perspective of an adventurous Expat at a unique moment in time and place." Frances Hannan, Reader

"My book club decided to read this book. I wasn't very excited about it because we've read so many WWII stories over the last couple of years, and I didn't want to read about another war. This book was a captivating story. I love how the author describes the city, the culture, and the people that she encounters. There were so many fascinating people. There are also photographs sprinkled throughout the book that highlight the housing and fashion discussed. After the first few pages, I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend!" Shawna Winham, Reader

"I loved the way this author takes you behind the scenes as the war rages closer while our government keeps American civilians living there in the dark until it's almost too late. Although a memoir, it reads like a novel. I loved it." Michele Knudsen, Critiques

"This is wonderful. OMG. Such beautiful, evocative writing. You are so darned good at setting up. This flows so well that it's hard to believe it's your first book. It's fascinating." Nan Fornal, Editor

"Provocative tale of civilian ex-pat's experiences as South Vietnam crumbles from 1973 to 1975. Karen Kaiser does a masterful job of juxtaposing and contrasting the genteel and unfamiliar life of an American woman in a foreign culture with the inevitable destruction of South Vietnam. She writes about the parties, shopping trips, vacations, household help and culture in a way that could be any American's experiences in the midst of a war that was hidden from ex-pats by the U.S. government. A peek at how politics can endanger the lives of ordinary citizens who find themselves away from home." Will Clapper, Copy Editor