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Uprooted: A Vietnamese Family's Journey - 1935-1975
The ancient Vietnamese life in which Tung was raised is being torn apart. It is not enough to work hard and grow rice anymore. Now every farmer in Mai Dong has to pick a side.
The French or the Communists.
"They are going to murder your father."
Intelligence, humility and graft made Que an honorable figure in Mai Dong. His values ensured the family's survival through famine and flood. They will not protect him against the Communists, who need class-enemy victims for their land reform campaign.
Tung becomes protector and provider for the family, who struggle to stick together as World War Two, the French Indochinese War, and the American War tear his country apart over forty years.
Vietnam becomes the battleground for the cold war. Decisions made in Paris, Washington, Moscow and Peking force three generations of Tung's family to risk their lives just to survive in the changing landscape.
Based on a true story, Uprooted is an uplifting saga that spans three generations of a Vietnamese family.
The French or the Communists.
"They are going to murder your father."
Intelligence, humility and graft made Que an honorable figure in Mai Dong. His values ensured the family's survival through famine and flood. They will not protect him against the Communists, who need class-enemy victims for their land reform campaign.
Tung becomes protector and provider for the family, who struggle to stick together as World War Two, the French Indochinese War, and the American War tear his country apart over forty years.
Vietnam becomes the battleground for the cold war. Decisions made in Paris, Washington, Moscow and Peking force three generations of Tung's family to risk their lives just to survive in the changing landscape.
Based on a true story, Uprooted is an uplifting saga that spans three generations of a Vietnamese family.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2015
72 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
David Lucas
2 books25 followersBefore he published Uprooted, David Lucas was an award-winning writer and producer of radio advertisements in the UK. His work appeared on every major commercial UK network and the BBC. He was also one of the creators of the Traces of Nuts comedy podcast, that was downloaded over 250,000 in its three year run.
He moved to America in 2008 to get married. It was after meeting his wife's grandfather Tung, that Uprooted began to take shape. Since its release, Uprooted has become requested material by Vietnam professors from, amongst other institutions, Harvard, Cornell and NYU.
For more details, a preview chapter and blog, visit
http://www.uprootedthenovel.com/
He moved to America in 2008 to get married. It was after meeting his wife's grandfather Tung, that Uprooted began to take shape. Since its release, Uprooted has become requested material by Vietnam professors from, amongst other institutions, Harvard, Cornell and NYU.
For more details, a preview chapter and blog, visit
http://www.uprootedthenovel.com/
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 2, 2020
Outstanding, poignant book. Following the journey of a northern Vietnamese family through the rise of Communism, their fleeing south, the ensuing Vietnam War, and their harrowing escape after Saigon falls. Truly a horrific time and chronicle of the devastation of colonialism, communism, backfiring interventionist polices and war juxtaposed with the tenacity and indomitable spirit of surviving and sacredness of family. The book was extremely hard to put down., and extremely well written.
March 15, 2025
Great story
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical novel. It was a fascinating tale of 'The Vietnam War," and the earlier history, told from the perspective of the Vietnamese people. Good job!
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical novel. It was a fascinating tale of 'The Vietnam War," and the earlier history, told from the perspective of the Vietnamese people. Good job!
April 22, 2018
As an American who works with Veterans (and has a father who served in Vietnam), I knew a disgracefully small amount about the Vietnam War prior to starting this book (thank CGUHS!).
Overall, it felt like the book was trying to do too much. Historical overview, pay homage to the author's wife's family, and create a compelling and engaging narrative all in one go. This resulted in a story that felt long winded, was teeming with editing errors and didn't come off as artfully told. The distinction between narrative of the family's journey and historical essay didn't particularly work for me and made it difficult to really feel invested.
That being said though, this book provided an excellent overview of the series of events that made up the political and militaristic history of modern Vietnam (starting with French colonial rule, through American involvement, and the creation of the Socialist Republic). I learned an invaluable amount and definitely see why it is used in academic settings. If Vietnam is a blind spot for you historically, this book is a must-read!
Overall, it felt like the book was trying to do too much. Historical overview, pay homage to the author's wife's family, and create a compelling and engaging narrative all in one go. This resulted in a story that felt long winded, was teeming with editing errors and didn't come off as artfully told. The distinction between narrative of the family's journey and historical essay didn't particularly work for me and made it difficult to really feel invested.
That being said though, this book provided an excellent overview of the series of events that made up the political and militaristic history of modern Vietnam (starting with French colonial rule, through American involvement, and the creation of the Socialist Republic). I learned an invaluable amount and definitely see why it is used in academic settings. If Vietnam is a blind spot for you historically, this book is a must-read!
August 15, 2020
I appreciate this book so much. Being a Vietnamese-American, I didn’t know too much about my Vietnamese history. I’ve only ever heard it from my parents — however, I never felt a true connection to Vietnam. Now, I have a greater understanding of what truly went down in Vietnam in the 1900’s. I am not a big history fan, but this book is written in a narrative form that is very intriguing, and it revolves around a family’s experience during the Vietnam War. This book is going to be one that I will continually re-read to remind myself of what happened in Vietnam.
June 11, 2022
Excellent Perspective
Written in the perspective of a Vietnamese family during the wars, the book brings the challenges and heroism of the Vietnamese people to life. The poignant stories, written in the form of a novel, are based on an actual family’s experience. The wars fought by the United States are generally well known from our point of view, but not from the perspective of the impacted peoples. An eye opening, heart wrenching history.
Written in the perspective of a Vietnamese family during the wars, the book brings the challenges and heroism of the Vietnamese people to life. The poignant stories, written in the form of a novel, are based on an actual family’s experience. The wars fought by the United States are generally well known from our point of view, but not from the perspective of the impacted peoples. An eye opening, heart wrenching history.
May 28, 2017
Excellent Read!
I have read many books about the Vietnam War. This is the first story I've read about a Vietnamese family. I found this story compelling. By reading this book, I have learned about their side of the story. And am grateful to have had this opportunity. Great story, well written.
I have read many books about the Vietnam War. This is the first story I've read about a Vietnamese family. I found this story compelling. By reading this book, I have learned about their side of the story. And am grateful to have had this opportunity. Great story, well written.
August 13, 2017
I'm thankful I'm at an age now where I can appreciate History. This truly was a very enlightening book. I will walk away from it having learned alot.
May 6, 2018
Good history
Well written interesting story about Vietnam,culture and history. Basing it on a family kept my attention. Sometimes the political facts were a little drawn out
Well written interesting story about Vietnam,culture and history. Basing it on a family kept my attention. Sometimes the political facts were a little drawn out
September 16, 2022
A must read to learn about my dear country which I hold tightly to my heart
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews