Vietname War Based Book - The Mountain Sings

When you read a story that’s both beautiful and brave, you feel compelled to share it with the world , and that’s exactly what I’m doing today.

The Mountain Sings by @nguyenphanquemai_ is a powerful, multi-generational story that reaches deep into your heart and moves you to the core. It reminds us that no one truly wants war, yet it still happens, leaving behind scars that haunt generations. And only those who suffer through it know how deep those wounds run..

Diệu Lan, the matriarch of the story, is forced to flee her village in Vietnam during the land reform along with her six children. Though she’s a wealthy landowner, she is also kind-hearted. Still, she becomes a target because of the class she belongs to. Her long journey to Hà Nôi is a testament to her courage, resilience, and unwavering hope. Watching her navigate brutal challenges, but supported at times by the kindness of strangers is incredibly moving.

The story unfolds in two timelines: Diệu Lan shares her past with her granddaughter recounting events from 1930 and ahead. I Loved the structure of these parallel narratives, beautifully connecting two generations & showing the lingering impact of war across time.

We learn about French colonization, Japanese colonization, The great hunger, land reform, Vietnam War, after war effects etc.The author’s writing is exceptional, rich with Vietnamese proverbs and cultural references that add depth and authenticity. One of the most touching themes is how simple acts of kindness from strangers can change a life. This is vividly seen in Diệu Lan’s journey, where the support of others helps her survive the poverty and pain she endures.

Human lives were short and fragile. Time and illnesses consumed us, like flames burning away these pieces of wood. But it didn’t matter how long or short we lived. It mattered more how much light we were able to shed on those we loved and how many people we touched with our compassion.

Another deeply emotional element is the bond between family members, how they hold on to each other in the darkest times. This book reminded me of the importance of our roots, our resilience, and never giving up, even when everything seems lost.

Kudos to the author for bringing such an important and often overlooked story to light. You may not learn all the details of the Vietnam War through this novel, but you’ll certainly understand its impact . It's not just on one family, but on countless lives like theirs.