The Unwanted by Kien Nguyen

Synopsis: A personal testimony of an Amerasin's immigration to America.

Writing Style: Straight-forward. Novelish.

Pacing: Fast.

Personal Highlights: This is a really good book! Initially I mistook this memoir of a young (part American and part Vietnamese) boy retelling how he and his family went from solvency to poverty, for a novel. Much of the narration (dramatic… and “quoted”), created a unique tempo; fierce yet mystical. Halfway along it occurred to me why the content read different. I’ve heard how difficult it is to translate Vietnamese language and sentiments into English, which once this dynamic was settled for me, the pacing really picked up… if this was even possible. I simply couldn’t close the book.

Overall, Kien gives vivid voice to the plight of Amerasian children and their families, just by detailing what it was like living in Nhatrang (South Vietnam), before and after the Tet Offense. Well done. Highly recommended. Read paperback 2001 edition.