Voices of Vietnamese Boat People - by Mary Terrell Cargill & Jade Quang Huynh (Paperback)

About the Book

On April 30, 1975, the Hanoi government of North Vietnam took control over the South. South Vietnamese, particularly "intellectuals" and those thought to have been associated with the previous regime, underwent terrible punishment, persecution and "re-education." Seeking their freedom, thousands of South Vietnamese took to the sea in rickety boats, often with few supplies, and faced the dangers of nature, pirates, and starvation. While the sea and its danger claimed many lives, those who made it to the refugee camps still faced struggle and hardships in their quest for freedom.

Book Synopsis

On April 30, 1975, the Hanoi government of North Vietnam took control over the South. South Vietnamese, particularly "intellectuals" and those thought to have been associated with the previous regime, underwent terrible punishment, persecution and "re-education." Seeking their freedom, thousands of South Vietnamese took to the sea in rickety boats, often with few supplies, and faced the dangers of nature, pirates, and starvation. While the sea and its danger claimed many lives, those who made it to the refugee camps still faced struggle and hardships in their quest for freedom.

Here are collected the narratives of nineteen men and women who survived the ordeal of escape by sea. Today, they live in the United States as students, professors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and craftspeople who have chosen to tell the stories of their struggles and their triumph. Each narrative is accompanied by biographical information.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Review Quotes

"Interesting...give[s] the reader a glimpse into Vietnamese culture and customs. The book would be an asset to any world history class"-The Book Report

"Simple, elegant and heartfelt prose.... The essays are both chilling and comforting"-Today's Librarian

"STARK AND MOVING...a good opportunity for those who have not had a chance to read about the boat people saga"-Journal of Refugee Studies

About the Author

Mary Terrell Cargill is an associate professor of English at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee. Jade Quang Huynh, a native of Vietnam, is currently in Austin, Texas.