Cultural Writing. Asian American Studies. In his long-overdue first collection of essays, noted journalist and NPR commentator Andrew Lam explores his life-long struggle for identity as a Viet Kieu, or a Vietnamese national living abroad. At age eleven, Lam, the son of a South Vietnamese general, came to California on the eve of the fall of Saigon to communist forces. He traded his Vietnamese name for a more American one and immersed himself in the allure of the American Dream: something not clearly defined for him or his family. Reflecting on the meanings of the Vietnam War to the Vietnamese people themselves—particularly to those in exile—Lam picks with searing honesty at the roots of his doubleness and his parents' longing for a homeland that no longer exists.
Tony7521
Posted August 17, 2009
I Also Recommend:
Perfume Dreams is a must read book for all Vietnamese Americans. Andrew is a gifted writer, a gate keeper, & history teller for Vietnamese American who are living in America. He has never lost his touch with his root.
The Perfume Dreams touches all sides of experiences the Vietnamese refugees and immigrants. The "haves and not haves, the fortunate and unfortunate" lives of Vietnamese-Americans.
We should all feel proud to have someone like Andrew to keep us in touch with ourselves and remind us of the challenges in living in America.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 18, 2013
I love Andrew Lam 's work. His essays are written from the heart but chased with a literary flare that demands admiration. As a chinese american i nevertheless find common ground with his soul searching work and see california and immigration in new light. check out his latest as well: birds of paradise lost - an amazing piece of work.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Overview
Cultural Writing. Asian American Studies. In his long-overdue first collection of essays, noted journalist and NPR commentator Andrew Lam explores his life-long struggle for identity as a Viet Kieu, or a Vietnamese national living abroad. At age eleven, Lam, the son of a South Vietnamese general, came to California on the eve of the fall of Saigon to communist forces. He traded his Vietnamese name for a more American one and immersed himself in the allure of the American Dream: something not clearly defined for ...