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Snow in Vietnam: A Novel
If you take elements of Nguyen Phan Que Mai's THE MOUNTAINS SING and Amy Tan's THE JOY LUCK CLUB, then throw in sprinkles of Kevin Kwon's CRAZY RICH ASIANS, you'll get Amy M. Le's debut historical fiction novel, SNOW IN VIETNAM. There are elements of humor, romance and heartache injected throughout these pages of fear and uncertainty.
Growing up in war-torn Vietnam was normal, even idyllic at times, for Snow, the youngest of seven children in her family. Although her heart belongs to an American GI, she honors her father by marrying a Vietnamese man. Her halcyon life unravels as the Vietnam War ravages her country and the threat of communism culminates with the fall of Saigon. Life in unified Vietnam under the new regime becomes unbearable. Betrayed by her husband and left with a dying child to raise, Snow must set aside her morals and push herself to the limit emotionally, physically, and mentally, to buy her way out of the country. Her decision to escape and find sanctuary in America takes her adrift in the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand with her daughter, nephew, and other boat refugees. For days, they are at the mercy of pirates, storms, and dire conditions. Ultimately, Snow settles into a refugee camp on the island of Galang in Indonesia, but life there is deplorable. The threat of repatriation and the will to keep her family alive keeps her motivated to hustle for a ticket to freedom.
SNOW IN VIETNAM was written to honor the memory of the author's mother. The novel was a finalist for the 2018 Pacific Northwest Writers Association literary award. This story is dedicated to the boat people of Vietnam and all the refugees who risked their lives in a desperate search for safety and freedom.
Praise for SNOW IN VIETNAM:
"The book is beautifully written, the story told with equal amounts of heart and skill and this reader could hardly tear away from the story for real-life each day. The plight of the Vietnamese boat people is told in heartbreaking detail as Snow's journey to America is continually thwarted. I loved this book that reminded me of Amy Tan's richness of story and detail. It was a joy to read and I look forward to the author's second book."
-Kim Hornsby, USA Today Bestselling Author and Amazon #1 Bestselling Author
"I love the title... I also loved the novel. Amy Le should be pleased with her work."
-Bill McCloud, Vietnam Veterans of America
"Well-developed characters, a brave and admirable protagonist, a vivid setting and heartbreaking struggles that felt real combine to make SNOW IN VIETNAM a compelling, unforgettable read."
-Alicia Dean, Award-Winning Author of Heart of the Witch
"Compelling, informative, and beautifully written."
-Frances Evlin, Author of Circles of Deception
"I stayed up all night reading because I literally could not put it down."
-Diana LeBeau, Beta reader
"The author has the uncanny ability to make the reader feel he or she is right in the middle of this tense and danger-filled escape."
-Greg Simpson, Vietnam War Veteran
Growing up in war-torn Vietnam was normal, even idyllic at times, for Snow, the youngest of seven children in her family. Although her heart belongs to an American GI, she honors her father by marrying a Vietnamese man. Her halcyon life unravels as the Vietnam War ravages her country and the threat of communism culminates with the fall of Saigon. Life in unified Vietnam under the new regime becomes unbearable. Betrayed by her husband and left with a dying child to raise, Snow must set aside her morals and push herself to the limit emotionally, physically, and mentally, to buy her way out of the country. Her decision to escape and find sanctuary in America takes her adrift in the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand with her daughter, nephew, and other boat refugees. For days, they are at the mercy of pirates, storms, and dire conditions. Ultimately, Snow settles into a refugee camp on the island of Galang in Indonesia, but life there is deplorable. The threat of repatriation and the will to keep her family alive keeps her motivated to hustle for a ticket to freedom.
SNOW IN VIETNAM was written to honor the memory of the author's mother. The novel was a finalist for the 2018 Pacific Northwest Writers Association literary award. This story is dedicated to the boat people of Vietnam and all the refugees who risked their lives in a desperate search for safety and freedom.
Praise for SNOW IN VIETNAM:
"The book is beautifully written, the story told with equal amounts of heart and skill and this reader could hardly tear away from the story for real-life each day. The plight of the Vietnamese boat people is told in heartbreaking detail as Snow's journey to America is continually thwarted. I loved this book that reminded me of Amy Tan's richness of story and detail. It was a joy to read and I look forward to the author's second book."
-Kim Hornsby, USA Today Bestselling Author and Amazon #1 Bestselling Author
"I love the title... I also loved the novel. Amy Le should be pleased with her work."
-Bill McCloud, Vietnam Veterans of America
"Well-developed characters, a brave and admirable protagonist, a vivid setting and heartbreaking struggles that felt real combine to make SNOW IN VIETNAM a compelling, unforgettable read."
-Alicia Dean, Award-Winning Author of Heart of the Witch
"Compelling, informative, and beautifully written."
-Frances Evlin, Author of Circles of Deception
"I stayed up all night reading because I literally could not put it down."
-Diana LeBeau, Beta reader
"The author has the uncanny ability to make the reader feel he or she is right in the middle of this tense and danger-filled escape."
-Greg Simpson, Vietnam War Veteran
407 pages, ebook
Published May 24, 2019
116 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Amy M. Le
10 books29 followersAmy M. Le is the award-winning author of the Snow trilogy: Snow in Vietnam, Snow in Seattle, and Snow’s Kitchen. She is a Vietnam War survivor and Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) warrior. Amy was born in Vietnam, raised in Seattle and Orange County, and now lives in Oklahoma with her husband, son, and pets.
Amy is the founder of Quill Hawk Publishing and helps authors indie publish their work. She also co-founded The Heart Community Collection, an online cooperative bookstore for the CHD community.
Amy is a member of several organizations including the Asian Author Alliance, the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, Oklahoma City Writers, Inc., Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc., Telltale Authors, the Yukon Writers’ Society, and the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi).
For fun, Amy loves to cook, watch NFL, UFC and F-1 events.
Amy is the founder of Quill Hawk Publishing and helps authors indie publish their work. She also co-founded The Heart Community Collection, an online cooperative bookstore for the CHD community.
Amy is a member of several organizations including the Asian Author Alliance, the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, Oklahoma City Writers, Inc., Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc., Telltale Authors, the Yukon Writers’ Society, and the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi).
For fun, Amy loves to cook, watch NFL, UFC and F-1 events.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 6, 2022
Some backstory on why I picked this novel up. When I was a child we sponsored a family from Vietnam after the fall of Saigon, boat refugees. I was only 8 or 9 so I didn't grasp what they went through. They had a little girl my age and lived with our family in Wilmington NC until they could get on their feet and get a home of their own. Shortly after they moved out, my parents split and we moved away. I lost touch with the family and just recently found the daughter. She and her husband have their own restaurant now.
This novel appealed to me because I never knew the story before the family came to live with us. Their english was rudimentary so we coexisted but I never heard what they went through prior to boarding the plane to the US. This novel is absolutely heartbreaking and inspiring. It delves into the culture of Vietnam and the struggles of its people at that time. The author makes their story come alive and the main character, Snow, is spirited and fearless, determined to get her young daughter to the US to save her life. This is a MUST READ!
This novel appealed to me because I never knew the story before the family came to live with us. Their english was rudimentary so we coexisted but I never heard what they went through prior to boarding the plane to the US. This novel is absolutely heartbreaking and inspiring. It delves into the culture of Vietnam and the struggles of its people at that time. The author makes their story come alive and the main character, Snow, is spirited and fearless, determined to get her young daughter to the US to save her life. This is a MUST READ!
September 6, 2021
There are some books that touch the heart and are also packed with pulse-pounding suspense. This is one of them. Snow in Vietnam tells the story of a woman who is forced to call on every bit of resilience to survive and yet manages to keep her sense of humor and compassion for others intact. Snow must exchange an idyllic childhood, nurtured by the sensual beauty of a tropical paradise where people live close to nature and neighbors trust one another, for a loveless but pragmatic marriage and a country at war with itself. When Saigon falls to the communists, she must find a way to provide medical care for her fragile baby and to help feed a large family of siblings. She masters the art of black-marketeering and tries to save money to escape to America. After several thwarted attempts, she finally boards a fishing trawler with more than 40 other escapees. Their voyage through pirate-infested waters is so convincingly written that I found myself holding my breath as I turned the pages.
The loving attention to detail that Amy M. Le brings to this story makes it sing—even when the reader’s heart is breaking. The first of a trilogy I can’t wait to complete. Highly recommended!
The loving attention to detail that Amy M. Le brings to this story makes it sing—even when the reader’s heart is breaking. The first of a trilogy I can’t wait to complete. Highly recommended!
February 13, 2022
Snow in Vietnam took me on an emotional journey. The book opens on a close family in Vietnam, their lives filled with love and laughter. That idealistic picture changes with dizzying speed during the Fall of Saigon, with the horrors of war, the brutality of the communist regime, and man’s inhumanity to man.
Snow’s young daughter needs heart surgery, so the mother sets a course in her mind to flee to the U.S. The author presents a clear, heartbreaking picture of the desperation and unyielding perseverance of refugees, all through the experience of the author’s mother.
Protagonist Snow is the model of a strong woman, facing disappointment and seemingly insurmountable challenges while still holding (sometimes barely) onto hope. The story is especially applicable today for anyone interested in the plight of refugees and the relentless nature of the Russian government.
Snow’s young daughter needs heart surgery, so the mother sets a course in her mind to flee to the U.S. The author presents a clear, heartbreaking picture of the desperation and unyielding perseverance of refugees, all through the experience of the author’s mother.
Protagonist Snow is the model of a strong woman, facing disappointment and seemingly insurmountable challenges while still holding (sometimes barely) onto hope. The story is especially applicable today for anyone interested in the plight of refugees and the relentless nature of the Russian government.
November 6, 2019
The book touched my heart indeed. I fortunately was not experienced in such period but can somehow find myself being Déjà vu via the book.
And although it's a novel only, I could hardly deny the facts it reflected, which the elders once told me when I was a kid, which I was too young to understand. And yes, my surrounding neighbors and even relatives desperately left the country for other overseas promised lands in those years, also reflected the same. Honestly, I firstly was not impressed by the name of the book but since I know it was written with inspiration from the boat people after the Fall of Saigon, I took the book up for days and could not put it down. Thanks to the talented Amy M. Le, she built the main character of Tuyết (Snow) with lots of beauty, brave and emotional. Her nephew Tree and daughter Thuy Tien are also tough and funny as well. I wondered how she could collected many very Vietnamese words of native and facts of such vivid events (both in rural Vinh Binh and urban Saigon) since as I know, she left for America at 5 years old.
Cannot wait for Part II of the story. Sorry if I made comments but supposed they settled well in Seattle in 1980s, and if all the facts are the same with history, it would take them more than 10 years to get all the family members reunited. My big family awaited so long for the reunion likewise, that broke our hearts.
And although it's a novel only, I could hardly deny the facts it reflected, which the elders once told me when I was a kid, which I was too young to understand. And yes, my surrounding neighbors and even relatives desperately left the country for other overseas promised lands in those years, also reflected the same. Honestly, I firstly was not impressed by the name of the book but since I know it was written with inspiration from the boat people after the Fall of Saigon, I took the book up for days and could not put it down. Thanks to the talented Amy M. Le, she built the main character of Tuyết (Snow) with lots of beauty, brave and emotional. Her nephew Tree and daughter Thuy Tien are also tough and funny as well. I wondered how she could collected many very Vietnamese words of native and facts of such vivid events (both in rural Vinh Binh and urban Saigon) since as I know, she left for America at 5 years old.
Cannot wait for Part II of the story. Sorry if I made comments but supposed they settled well in Seattle in 1980s, and if all the facts are the same with history, it would take them more than 10 years to get all the family members reunited. My big family awaited so long for the reunion likewise, that broke our hearts.
November 8, 2019
Snow in Vietnam is the story of a woman who would not give up in the face of horrific adversity at the fall of Saigon and occupation of South Vietnam by the Vietcong in the late 70's. The book is beautifully written, the story told with equal amounts of heart and skill and this reader could hardly tear away from the story for real life each day.
The plight of the Vietnamese boat people is told in heartbreaking detail as Snow's journey to America is continually thwarted.
I loved this book that reminded me of Amy Tan's richness of story and detail. It was a joy to read and I look forward to the author's second book.
The plight of the Vietnamese boat people is told in heartbreaking detail as Snow's journey to America is continually thwarted.
I loved this book that reminded me of Amy Tan's richness of story and detail. It was a joy to read and I look forward to the author's second book.
August 16, 2020
Wonderful. I believe everyone should appreciate the journey of Snow. Hardships. Struggles. Triumph.
October 20, 2019
Wanted the rest of the story!!!
Really enjoyed this book and a glimpse into a subject I didn’t know as much about. My only complaint is it ended!!! I need to hear about the remaining journey! Perhaps a sequel? Or the author’s memoir is to come? Fingers crossed!
Really enjoyed this book and a glimpse into a subject I didn’t know as much about. My only complaint is it ended!!! I need to hear about the remaining journey! Perhaps a sequel? Or the author’s memoir is to come? Fingers crossed!
September 30, 2019
Snow is the youngest of seven children growing up in Vietnam during a time of war. Life isn't always certain. The future isn't always certain. Snow agrees to marry a Vietnamese man even though she pines for an American G.I. She gives birth to sick child with a heart problem. America could be her daughter's chance to live and Snow's chance for freedom. Vietnam is uncertain in times of unification but every time Snow gathers enough resources to leave, another tragedy forces her to prolong her escape.
This book was gritty and raw. I didn’t always understand why Snow treated her daughter or family like she did at times, but I felt like I was looking into the life of a real person. Snow felt like a completely genuine person, flaws and all. Snow was the essence of bravery and determination. Her goal to escape with her daughter was always in her mind and always in her actions. But family and tragedy kept getting in the way. I loved how close knit family is portrayed in this book. The characters in this book would do anything for family – to honor them, to love them, to provide for them, to give them a chance for a better life.
The love story in this novel was cleverly wound around the war-torn country and its effects on Snow’s family. The mystery surrounding her G.I. will keep you guessing as to where he is. The book was sad yet compelling because Snow had the strength to continue to adapt and survive and care for her sick daughter. If she can live and prosper and love under those conditions, then anything is possible.
This book was gritty and raw. I didn’t always understand why Snow treated her daughter or family like she did at times, but I felt like I was looking into the life of a real person. Snow felt like a completely genuine person, flaws and all. Snow was the essence of bravery and determination. Her goal to escape with her daughter was always in her mind and always in her actions. But family and tragedy kept getting in the way. I loved how close knit family is portrayed in this book. The characters in this book would do anything for family – to honor them, to love them, to provide for them, to give them a chance for a better life.
The love story in this novel was cleverly wound around the war-torn country and its effects on Snow’s family. The mystery surrounding her G.I. will keep you guessing as to where he is. The book was sad yet compelling because Snow had the strength to continue to adapt and survive and care for her sick daughter. If she can live and prosper and love under those conditions, then anything is possible.
January 6, 2021
I remember hearing about the 'boat people' when I was younger. Their stories were always a sad afterthought in the news. Le brings the situation and one family's experience to life. It was at turns shocking and touching. The storyline moves fast, never dwelling too long on one dramatic experience - at times I wished she'd dug deeper and told me more of the emotional struggle and toll, but then I realized that the characters experiencing this (based on real life) didn't have time to dwell on anything- no matter how cruel or painful-- because they were too busy fighting to survive in a situation that was impossible. It is a testament to human will and to the strength of her character that Snow survives at all. A fascinating read that made me think about the story long after I closed the book.
May 27, 2023
Wow! What a story!
This book was filled with so many amazing moments! Throughout the book, Snow experiences heartache, fear, and so many obstacles! This story is also filled with lots of humorous, endearing and triumphant moments too! I really enjoyed it. The author did such a brilliant job writing it. I laughed, cried and rejoiced right along with Snow throughout! So excited to read the sequel! Very well done!
This book was filled with so many amazing moments! Throughout the book, Snow experiences heartache, fear, and so many obstacles! This story is also filled with lots of humorous, endearing and triumphant moments too! I really enjoyed it. The author did such a brilliant job writing it. I laughed, cried and rejoiced right along with Snow throughout! So excited to read the sequel! Very well done!
March 10, 2020
This book was beautifully written. I’ve learned so much about Vietnam history. I stumbled into Amy at the First Ink Event. I can’t believe I took this long to read it. I was excited to see Snow in Seattle was coming out this year. Hoping she does another ink event locally.
November 27, 2023
the writing style ruined it for me 😭
February 24, 2024
This is a marvelous story based on the true life of the author's mother: it is riveting, deeply moving, enlightening, and richly detailed. The protagonist, whose name "Tuyet" means "snow," tries unsuccessfully to leave Vietnam multiple times before becoming a refugee. Le does an outstanding job delineating characters with relatable personalities and believable quirks, and I think the best thing about the book is its wealth of detail about daily life during a time of wartime privation and communist rule. She brings to life and fully humanizes the ordinary people who are just trying to craft their lives amid chaos and brutality; she does not delve much into politics, but you see how geopolitical events affect families, like one family where one son fights for the North and the other for the South.
Le then narrates the harrowing, ethically murky process that so many underwent in order to escape the country, and the horrific suffering along the way. Her characters wind up in a refugee camp, and again, Le excels at bringing the setting to life through vivid, graphic, and painful detail. She masterfully weaves humor and sweetness into her narrative about "boat people," producing a work that powerfully evokes empathy for immigrants and refugees--a message crucially meaningful and needed in today's increasingly hate-filled society.
Le then narrates the harrowing, ethically murky process that so many underwent in order to escape the country, and the horrific suffering along the way. Her characters wind up in a refugee camp, and again, Le excels at bringing the setting to life through vivid, graphic, and painful detail. She masterfully weaves humor and sweetness into her narrative about "boat people," producing a work that powerfully evokes empathy for immigrants and refugees--a message crucially meaningful and needed in today's increasingly hate-filled society.
July 8, 2021
I loved loved loved this book
This is my first book about Vietnam. Wow Amy Is such a TALENTED writer. I had myself convinced she was the mom, she was snow. Imagine my surprise that the writer is actually Dolly little Dolly. I can’t wait to finish writing this review so I can start reading the second book.
This is my first book about Vietnam. Wow Amy Is such a TALENTED writer. I had myself convinced she was the mom, she was snow. Imagine my surprise that the writer is actually Dolly little Dolly. I can’t wait to finish writing this review so I can start reading the second book.
March 16, 2021
This book it is perfect for anyone who loves war and love story woven together and adding God's love and his wisdon we get a story of tangled hardships that becomes a beauty in disguise. I give this a 5 star and amy is a true artist in her writting.
May 30, 2020
I didn't want to stop reading because I was fascinated by the story of Snow and her life in Vietnam. I found myself immersed in her story traveling with her on her journeys, often fearing for her safety, and sometimes weeping with her along the way. I wish I could have met Snow in person.
Amy Le's skillful storytelling includes believable characters and vivid descriptions of people and locations. I especially enjoyed the historic, cultural and culinary aspects of the book. I highly recommend SNOW IN VIETNAM and look forward to its sequel. In fact, I have already pre-ordered it on Amazon so I can find out what happened next to Snow and her family.
Amy Le's skillful storytelling includes believable characters and vivid descriptions of people and locations. I especially enjoyed the historic, cultural and culinary aspects of the book. I highly recommend SNOW IN VIETNAM and look forward to its sequel. In fact, I have already pre-ordered it on Amazon so I can find out what happened next to Snow and her family.
August 15, 2020
This book left me breathless
Knowing that this is a novelized story of real people and life had me in happy, sad and terrified tears. I lived in the Philippines in the late 50s and heard some similar stories.
Knowing that this is a novelized story of real people and life had me in happy, sad and terrified tears. I lived in the Philippines in the late 50s and heard some similar stories.
December 19, 2021
Powerfully written historical fiction inspired by the author's mother and the conflicts surrounding Snow and her family right after the Vietnam War. This is an important read as the stories of the Vietnam War and mass migration that came soon after told from the lens of Vietnamese writers are critical to the completion of our history. This book is heartbreakingly devastating and beautiful, and made me realize as a son of Viet and Khmer refugees of how deeply embedded that trauma is, and how this still affects our community 45+ years later. An important read it is
July 11, 2021
Delightful novel
I enjoyed this novel and really got into the main character.It gave a good account of life in Vietnam after the fall of Saigon, and the harrowing experience of life there and trying to leave. Enjoyed it very much
I enjoyed this novel and really got into the main character.It gave a good account of life in Vietnam after the fall of Saigon, and the harrowing experience of life there and trying to leave. Enjoyed it very much
December 15, 2021
Excellent read. Jumps around a little bit at the beginning but once you understand the author's style of writting it moves along well. Having served in Vietnam for three separate years working closely with the Vietnamese populace prior to the take over by the communists, I can relate to many of the stories/incidents in this book. This is an enjoyable read as you continue to wonder just how the ending will evolve. Already on the the second continuing novel in this series.
April 26, 2025
41/2 stars
I love the book , but I have one minor disappointment. I wanted the author to do a better job of conveying 'place' in Saigon. I served as a military policeman there during the war, so I could see and feel the city. But I wonder how the reader who has never been there could .
I love the book , but I have one minor disappointment. I wanted the author to do a better job of conveying 'place' in Saigon. I served as a military policeman there during the war, so I could see and feel the city. But I wonder how the reader who has never been there could .
January 16, 2022
A true breath taking journey that everyone should read!
As a fellow writer of the Vietnam saga, I am deeply humbled and emotionally moved by Amy's incredible story. While many of us grew up during the post Vietnam era, few have captured the pain, tragedy, and hope. This incredible writer scripted one of most incredible true to life stories of our time.
A true must read!!
As a fellow writer of the Vietnam saga, I am deeply humbled and emotionally moved by Amy's incredible story. While many of us grew up during the post Vietnam era, few have captured the pain, tragedy, and hope. This incredible writer scripted one of most incredible true to life stories of our time.
A true must read!!
December 22, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (all the stars)
I am in tears and awe and can confidently say this is my favorite read of 2022 and my favorite historical novel of all time. Amy M. Le’s story is breathtaking, heartbreaking, persevering, and incredibly beautiful. You could not imagine the things her family and so many others went through during the fall of Saigon and living in war-torn Vietnam. We watch Snow as she encounters the unimaginable in her desire to escape her country and find refuge in America. We fall in love with so many people along the way, while also seeing the unimaginable horror of others. We read about the experiences of suffering and mourning and doing what it takes to fight for family and freedom when it seems impossible.
My heart broke but I couldn’t put this novel down. I highly recommend picking this one up and giving it a read. It will change you. (And yes I immediately ran to Amazon to order the next 2 books because I NEED to keep reading!).
@amy_m_le thank you for telling the story of Snow. I am in absolute awe.
If you’re local to Oklahoma City I recommend finding this at a local bookstore. This is a copy from @fullcirclebookstore that @amy_m_le visited and signed. A friend let me borrow this copy and I’m so glad she did.
I am in tears and awe and can confidently say this is my favorite read of 2022 and my favorite historical novel of all time. Amy M. Le’s story is breathtaking, heartbreaking, persevering, and incredibly beautiful. You could not imagine the things her family and so many others went through during the fall of Saigon and living in war-torn Vietnam. We watch Snow as she encounters the unimaginable in her desire to escape her country and find refuge in America. We fall in love with so many people along the way, while also seeing the unimaginable horror of others. We read about the experiences of suffering and mourning and doing what it takes to fight for family and freedom when it seems impossible.
My heart broke but I couldn’t put this novel down. I highly recommend picking this one up and giving it a read. It will change you. (And yes I immediately ran to Amazon to order the next 2 books because I NEED to keep reading!).
@amy_m_le thank you for telling the story of Snow. I am in absolute awe.
If you’re local to Oklahoma City I recommend finding this at a local bookstore. This is a copy from @fullcirclebookstore that @amy_m_le visited and signed. A friend let me borrow this copy and I’m so glad she did.
September 1, 2023
A great immigrant story that shows how hard it is to start a new life. But with Tuyet (Snow) being driven to get a new start and escape communist Vietnam, this is a very empowering story for women to not settle for less and to go forward for a better life. Based on Amy Le's mother's story, she does not mince words about the harrowing realities of trying to escape an abusive government.
I especially found this story engaging because I've been to Vietnam recently and watched the Ken Burns documentary on the Vietnam war so that really helped me connect with the story. I think it's also very good for people who maybe don't understand or know about the fate of Vietnam that happened right after the American Vietnam war.
I found the scene changes a little choppy but the content was overall very good. I think this book's depictions would really help American citizens be grateful that they don't have to deal with the things that immigrants have to face just to get out of their oppressive home country and be able to live in freedom.
I especially found this story engaging because I've been to Vietnam recently and watched the Ken Burns documentary on the Vietnam war so that really helped me connect with the story. I think it's also very good for people who maybe don't understand or know about the fate of Vietnam that happened right after the American Vietnam war.
I found the scene changes a little choppy but the content was overall very good. I think this book's depictions would really help American citizens be grateful that they don't have to deal with the things that immigrants have to face just to get out of their oppressive home country and be able to live in freedom.
March 19, 2021
Phenomenal! The story of Snow, a Vietnamese refugee, who conquers fear and unforeseen obstacles on a journey to find her way to America, all while her daughter's life is hanging in the balance. One scene involved a blow to the throat for one of the characters which left a lump in mine for the duration of the evening. I consumed the pages, at some points roaring with laughter and others breathing tense while choking back tears. The pages consumed me and I found myself longing for the means to buy a boat, a plan, anything to bring Snow's entire family to the shores of safety. I was enveloped in the moments, felt part of the culture and, believed every heart-felt moment as it was written. I like to read... a lot. In my life there have been but two books that have lingered leaving me changed, Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes and now Amy Le's Snow in Vietnam.
December 26, 2022
Wow, what a devastating fall. I was not too familiar with the fall of Saigon, but Tuÿet’s bravery and resourcefulness saved her life and the life of her young daughter. It was so sad hearing about the transition of her beautiful home country she knew and loved and how communism changed it and the people she knew. So terrible what war does to people. I cannot imagine being in her shoes during the escape and the terrors she witnessed with the pirates and the elements and the relocation camps. I loved how she made family wherever she was and that truly was the saving grace quality. Im anxious to hear more of her story. (As an Oklahoman, I loved the OK shoutout at the end.)
May 14, 2020
I found this book by chance browsing Kindle inventory... started reading and couldn’t put it down. So well written, blending humor, culture, drama and suspense into one riveting story of human experience. Looking forward to Amy’s next book “Snow in Seattle”, a sequel supposedly being published this summer.
It should also be noted that the historical events described therein are accurate. It’s a shame such a gem does not get the attention it richly deserves.
It should also be noted that the historical events described therein are accurate. It’s a shame such a gem does not get the attention it richly deserves.
June 11, 2021
The first of 3 in the Snow series, this book opens with suspenseful action, and realistic true to life characters in a story that feels real and has substance. Amy Le creates vivid and heart wrenching scenes that transport you right into the center of a country that’s often uncertain, tense, and sometimes terrifying. Their struggles are real, but their drive to hope, overcome, and survive will keep you reading, leave you wanting to read more!
September 11, 2021
Oh my gosh. I wept so many times in this book. The trials and tribulations these poor people went through was heartbreaking. Yet the strength, bravery and fortitude they displayed was inspiring. The author made everything seem so real. Sometimes too real. It’s apparent she knew a great deal about this topic. I was deeply moved and will not soon forget this story. A compelling, emotional journey for not only the characters but the readers as well.
May 5, 2023
captivating and honest
Amy brought her family into my living room and made their tribulations and triumphs feel like my own.
Emily Fletcher says there is only one thing and we are all it.
Amy’s telling of Snow’s life adventure, while unique to her in detail, echoes that of any and all of us at the heart of it.
Thank you, Amy for giving us a chance to know and understand the life experience of people I otherwise would not.
Amy brought her family into my living room and made their tribulations and triumphs feel like my own.
Emily Fletcher says there is only one thing and we are all it.
Amy’s telling of Snow’s life adventure, while unique to her in detail, echoes that of any and all of us at the heart of it.
Thank you, Amy for giving us a chance to know and understand the life experience of people I otherwise would not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews