The author explores the cultural values of the Vietnamese and traces the transitions in thinking which took place over the past several decades: from the introduction of Western ideas and values under the French, to the various Vietnamese responses and reactions to Western thinking, the humiliating aspects of colonialism, and the subsequent struggle for independence. I have read other histories of Vietnam, but none has so clearly described the underlying cultural dynamics which drove the events. I feel like I understand for the first time what the Vietnam war was all about, from the perspective of the Vietnamese themselves; the conflict between North and South Vietnam over the nature of the nation and society which would emerge from independence.
The best part of the book for me was the extensive use of excerpts from Vietnamese literature and editorial pieces to illustrate Vietnamese thought. This gave life to the concepts he was describing, it gave me a first hand account by letting me hear from the Vietnamese people themselves.
The author's overall thesis, relating societal changes to the oriental concept of yin and yang --a continually adjusted balance between structure and feeling, duty and compassion -- is clearly delineated throughout the story (yes, it really reads like a story), and is quite compelling. By all means, read this book!
