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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Freedom is not free Sep 30, 2009
By Hong T. Ha
The Mayflowers of 1975" was first published in April 2007, then updated and reprinted in April of 2009, being probably the first collection of memoirs written by medical doctors recollecting their (and in some cases their wives') experiences during the Vietnam War. These doctors grew up during the turbulent war period and together entered the Saigon Medical School in the mid-1960s when the country was attempting to implement new systems in the universities using Vietnamese as the official language of instruction (instead of French). Most of them graduating during the period of the Fiery Red Summer of 1972 when the war was escalating most fiercely, they entered the war-torn regions of the country and contributed their expertise in hospitals in places from the fighting highlands to the Army hospitals behind the front line.
April 1975 brought with it an apocalyptic sense of doom to the Vietnamese people. The lucky ones managed to get out of the country but the less fortunate ones were forced to turn themselves to the new victorious government and sent to harsh reeducation camps. Writing with incredibly vivid details, even though they are not professional writers, these medical doctors recounted their experiences and poured their hearts, not only producing very moving testimonies that depict history, but also allowing readers to learn about the intimate details of their lives, their friendships, and their very evident love for their country and people. Readers will have the opportunity to read about the lives of these wartime doctors and how they risked their lives in order to keep Death from taking the lives of the countless soldiers who fought in the perilous war. For example, there are unbelievable stories throughout the book that recount the hardships encountered in the reeducation camps, the arduous journeys of those who attempted to flee the war-ravaged country, and moving stories like the ones about how these doctors managed to save the lives of those in refugee camps with only very primitive means.
After many hardships, today many of these doctors are now residing and practicing medicine in the United States and Canada. They have overcome many meticulous examinations, internship and residency training needed to return to their medical practice and rebuilt their lives, and now aim to guide the next generations in becoming good citizens. They have been actively contributing to the countries that had saved them, and have become respected community members.
From these memories we are also able to see the amazing sacrifice of the wives of these doctors. These women took over the duties of their husband to preserve the families, taught their children, mentally and physically supported their husbands who were being kept and mistreated in the so called reeducation camps. These wives continued to sacrifice so much for their husbands and children as they resettled in their adopted countries, a very difficult task considering the ever present cultural gap and language barriers. Readers will have a chance to read stories and poems about their very real love, written by these courageous men and women from the bottom of their hearts. The children of these doctors, the second generation, also shared their views about their parents' sacrifices and their appreciation of the kindness and generosity of their parents' adopted countries.
This book was compiled and translated very elaborately, written mostly in English with some poems in Vietnamese and French, and includes photographs and paintings. It is a great contribution of efforts to present the true pictures and impacts of the fall of South Vietnam on her people, to enable historical researchers and younger readers to have a better view of recent Vietnamese history, and to memorialize the incredible class of Vietnamese doctors who, despite having endured so much, continue to fulfill their oath to help humanity. This is definitely a book that should be read.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Wonderful stories of survival during war and exile Jul 02, 2009
By jeff wade
I was introduced to this book as I was vaguely contemplating a future trip to Vietnam. After reading it, I became much more interested and informed about the Vietnamese culture, experience, and spirit. It motivated me to make the trip much sooner than I had planned and gave me a much deeper and more meaningful experience while I was there.
The stories are deeply personal accounts by many of the alumni of the Saigon Medical School Class of 1972 and their families. As such, the individual stories describe their lives in Vietnam before, during, and after the war and Medical School. They were often forced to enter the Army after school and at the fall of Saigon either escaped immediately or later, often after time in re-education camps. One notable exception among the writers stayed in Vietnam up to the present day. Paradoxically, he seems to be possibly the happiest and most content of the writers, as he never had to suffer through the difficulties of exile and learning to live and work in a new culture. At the end are stories from first generation Vietnamese Americans and their own experiences with Vietnam which are quite interesting in their own right.
Despite the often horrific experiences many of the writers had to go through, the editors have made efforts to be neutral and let the authors' stories speak for themselves. And they do. These are some of the most touching and inspiring stories I have ever read from inside a culture and time in US and Vietnamese history that is often reduced to caricature. One truly sees the incredible strength of the Vietnamese spirit as shown in these true stories of survival and beyond.
I can not recommend this book enough to anyone with an interest in the war, Vietnam, or world history.
What history books dont tell you.. Jun 06, 2010
By Porfirio Rojas
This book is very unique; it should be turned into a mini series on cable tv
It would compel our younger Vietnamese generation to appreciate their elders..
As a surgical tech I work with Dr Viet Dang . After reading his chapter I feel like I know him a little bit more and have more respect .. I enjoyed reading this book and will be a part of me forever...
SIMPLY BRILLIANT. May 24, 2010
By Hung Dang
"Book Worm"
I have read many books about Vietnam and the war . This book is "SIMPLY BRILLIANT". 2010 Best Sellers List.
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