South Wind Changing

by Jade Ngoc Quang Huynh

A Time magazine "Best Book" of 1994 This is the compelling personal narrative of Jade Ngoc Quang Huynh, who was born in South Vietnam in 1958. He survived the war in Vietnam to become a university student in 1974. But because the Hanoi government policy was to persecute writers, intellectuals, and any suspected enemies of the state, Huynh was sent to a labor camp. South Wind Changing tells the riveting story of this early existence, his escape from Vietnam, his time in a Thai refugee camp, and the eventual new life he was able to carve out for himself in the United States. Here, where he first learned English while working at McDonalds, he was finally able to complete his education. In this well-written Asian-American memoir we encounter a remarkable life of struggle and survival, dreams and determination, imperialism and immigration, and other key twentieth-century experiences.

Genres: Nonfiction

305 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1994

Reviews

[Charlie Petters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is well written, and the reader will never forget what they read.

“South Wind Changing,” by Jade Ngoc Quang Huynh was published in 1994, but I just learned about it. He did the most honorable thing he could do for his mother and that was writing this book so that others can read about his mother, what she went through and what her children went through. He said on page 305, when talking about is mother and the hardships “she suffered, as she paid the duty of a daughter-in-law, the duty of a wife, and the duty of a mother. How can I describe that life in words?” Well jade eloquently did exactly that in this book. Read the book and you will thoroughly understand what I am talking about.

Jade Ngoc Quang Huynh has a unique way of writing. It is engaging and at times you find yourself living in Jade’s skin. He doesn’t hold anything back. He talks about life in South Vietnam before the fall of Saigon. The he shares a great deal about what life was like in the reeducation camps after the fall of Saigon. Jade clearly describes the murder, mayhem, misery, starvation and cruelty of the reeducation camps.

Then he eloquently describes how escape from the reeducation camp was just a door away, and he walked through that door; always having to look over his shoulder after he escaped. Life after the reeducation camps was not a bed of roses for Jade. He planned his escape from Vietnam; twice it was unsuccessful, but the third time he made it. He does not hold back in describing that final boat trip away from Vietnam and cruelty of the Thai pirates and they brutally raped the teenage girls that were on the boat with him and how they were terrified of all men after that. Then he finally made it to the United States.

One would think after he made it her that life could not be as treacherous as it was in Vietnam, but Jade sets the record straight. He talks about the insults that were thrown at him, by Americans. He doesn’t hide the fact he was discriminated and harassed in the United States, when he had done nothing wrong. Then at the end he is finally rewarded for not giving up.

Joan once told Jade (page 298) “You’re a good storyteller and a good poet… It’s not only because of your voice but the way you tell it, and it shows in your writing.” Joan was right and Jade is certainly a great storyteller and writing, and I am very proud to highly recommend this book for others to read. It is well worth the time spent in reading it. Great job Jade Ngoc Quang Huynh in writing a book that is as good as the best books you have read!

[Dave Bushy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a detailed view of a young man's life in the Reeducation Camps of Vietnam after the war ended. It is beautifully written and almost poetic in its approach. At times it becomes a bit too detailed and does not allow the arc or the story to be followed well. Overall, though, it is excellent!

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. The first book by this author is about his journey from a war torn country across the oceans and to America. It is a heroic journey that leaves as if you were it's mother, you know he will be alright but you worry for his future.

[Ray]

Jade is the brother of my friend Kevin Huynh.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was amazed at what some people do to stay in USA!

[Kevin Hinman · Rating 5 out of 5]

jade was one of the best teachers i ever had the pleasure of learning from.