Book Review: The Mountains Sing

“The challenges faced by Vietnamese people throughout history are as tall as the tallest mountains. If you stand too close, you won’t be able to see their peaks. Once you step away from the currents of life, you will have the full view.”

I have spent time in Vietnam (both North and South). I knew Vietnam had a long storied past. I knew there were challenges in Vietnam’s history I hadn’t been taught in school. I knew the Vietnamese were strong people.

So, I thought I was ready for this book…I wasn’t.

The Mountains Sing is a heart-wrenching novel tracing a portion of Vietnam’s history through the stories of Dieu Lan, her granddaughter, Huong (called Guava), and their families. (Fortunately, there’s a family tree in the front to help track family members as you read.)

Despite the heavy topics, it’s a fast read–the characters are well-developed and you care about their stories. (I finished the book in two sittings–mostly because I needed to take a mental break.)

Vietnam’s history comes to life through the personal stories–stories of struggle through the Great Hunger, Land Reform, what Westerners know as the Vietnam War, and other moments in Vietnam’s past. Scenery–small villages, mountains, jungles, and big cities–are easily envisioned through the descriptions. And cultural lessons are sprinkled throughout–proverbs, superstitions, meanings of Vietnamese words and names.

I finished this book a few days ago and haven’t quite been able to let it go. The Mountains Sing is a meaningful piece of historical fiction–one that is meant to be shared, discussed, and learned from.

This is an ideal book for a book club; check out our The Mountains Sing Book Club Guide for ideas!

*I was given an Advanced Reading Copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.