Don't Break My Rice Bowl: A beautiful and gripping novel, highlighting the personal and tragic struggles faced during the Vietnam War, bringing the late author and his 'forgotten' manuscript to life

by Robert H. Dodd, Patricia Rykiel, Beth Jackson Narrated by Danny Holt

Overview

Don't Break My Rice Bowl is a Vietnam War fictional memoir at its centre, wrapped in meta-narrative layers, connecting the life and legacy of the late primary author to his protagonist, Eddie. 'A book within a book and the reader is invited in.'

Feeling life is slipping him by, an American agriculturalist heads to Vietnam to try and make a difference in the lives of the people as part of President Johnson's 'Hearts and Minds' campaign. There is just one big problem — there's a war going on.

Eddie joins a small group of civilian advisors chosen to work with local farmers to help make Vietnam once again self-sufficient in rice. He is drawn to the adventure, the challenge, and the opportunity to make a difference, but he is leaving some problems behind.

His story follows the ups and downs of cultural and tropical agriculture training in Washington DC and the Philippines, and then his assignment in the Gia Dinh province just outside Saigon. The stakes increase as the war intensifies and Eddie's connections in the country deepen, providing the backdrop for the cultural, political and personal struggles that unfold.

The novel shines a light on a relatively unknown part of Vietnam War history as elements of Asian history and culture, including the introduction of 'miracle rice', are woven into the challenges of being a civilian trying to work — and live — in a war zone.

The Foreword by his daughter, an Afterword by his second wife, the Appendix, and 25 hand painted illustrations by his granddaughter provide added poignant layers to the story. 'The fragility of life was the late author's parting lesson; however, these words left behind were his ultimate gift.'

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

'What a brilliant, moving and vivid "through the looking glass" book this is. An irresistible read; beautiful, cover to cover.'

-Gareth J. Mitchell, Presenter, BBC World Service

'Don't Break My Rice Bowl is an inspiring story - showing one man's dedication to helping others - at considerable personal cost. It is also instructive - revealing the limits of such dedication. I can only imagine what it meant to Robert Dodd's daughter to find this "hidden treasure".'

-Dr Kenneth Greene, Retired Chair of Social Sciences & History Department, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ, USA

'From the fundamentals of getting food on the table, to the role and impact of fathers, from ambitions to benevolence, not to mention a "Godless" war, there is something for everyone. If I were back in the classroom, I'd teach this book in a heartbeat. It would encourage a plethora of classroom conversation!'

-Nicholas M. Guarracino, Editor and former English Teacher

'To the thousands of histories, memoirs, and novels of America's Vietnam Experience, this is a laudable addition, a descriptive, fast-paced story told from the point of view, not of a combatant, journalist or citizen, but by a civilian agricultural expert inspired by the miracle of rice. Eddie represents the America and the Americans who really wanted to make life better for the Vietnamese. This thought-provoking book deserves a place in the light (not in a dark drawer from where it came!). It is about survival, and so much more than a story of war.'

-Dr Peter J. Woolley, American Political Scientist

'The making of Don't Break My Rice Bowl brought Dad back to me, one more time. I never expected this. It feels like we have had one last conversation, one I thought we would never have.

-Patricia Rykiel

Product Details

BN ID:	2940193616825
Publisher:	Holey Jumper Press
Publication date:	09/10/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged

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