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Boat People
Mary Gardner reminds us of our history: America itself is a country of boat people with ties to more than one world. This powerful narrative, winner of the 1993 Associated Writing Programs award for the novel, focuses on Galveston, Texas, and a community of newly arrived Vietnamese. Struggling to maintain a balance between Vietnam and America, they live with one foot in each world. Close-knit families, now fragmented, dream of the "kingdom of elders left behind"; young girls shoulder responsibility far beyond their years; and homesick professionals, puzzled by American customs, strive to belong while clinging to the rituals that sustain them.
Seared by memories of escape and loss, these people are tough and funny too. There's Trang, obsessed by her mixed parentage and the quest for her American father; spunky little Xan, who acts out with Kung Fu; Linh, whose mother is hospitalized because of "the ghost husband in her head"; and Dr. Nguyen, savvy first-year medical resident but still a stranger. As this deeply felt novel examines the difficulties and possibilities for connection in a triracial culture―Vietnamese, Black, and American―it brims with memorable characters finding their way or easing the way for others.
Seared by memories of escape and loss, these people are tough and funny too. There's Trang, obsessed by her mixed parentage and the quest for her American father; spunky little Xan, who acts out with Kung Fu; Linh, whose mother is hospitalized because of "the ghost husband in her head"; and Dr. Nguyen, savvy first-year medical resident but still a stranger. As this deeply felt novel examines the difficulties and possibilities for connection in a triracial culture―Vietnamese, Black, and American―it brims with memorable characters finding their way or easing the way for others.
- GenresFiction
277 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 14, 2016
Boat people is written by Mary Gardner who managed to explain the struggles of foreign families coming to America. When reading the book, it makes the reader very anxious to read more and find out what will happen next. This book uses a lot of figurative language and a little bit of fantasy. Hai Truong is a woman that is possessed by a ghost. The ghost doesn't allow her to eat and makes her depressed causing her to go to the hospital.
Hai Truong's child, Lin Nguyen, goes to America to take over the adult responsibilities. I would recommend This book to people that will pay attention to little details in books. This book is very interesting along the way of reading it.
Hai Truong's child, Lin Nguyen, goes to America to take over the adult responsibilities. I would recommend This book to people that will pay attention to little details in books. This book is very interesting along the way of reading it.
January 17, 2010
I wanted more character development.
February 17, 2015
A quick and enjoyable read
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews