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Dinh Van Binh: Vietnamese Village Boy

by Johnny Nuo

167 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #06-1723; ISBN 1-4120-9966-8; US$15.12, C$17.39, EUR12.42, £8.69

This is an excellent source for teachers and parents to expose their students and children to what life might be like if they lived in a small village in Vietnam.

About the Book

This is a story about a 14-year-old Vietnamese boy who lives in a small village near Hanoi. He is befriended by a cousin that is a victim of Agent Orange. They bond on a fishing trip and subsequently have many exciting excursions. A trip with their families takes them to see caves as they traverse a river that flows through several limestone mountains.

Subsequently they travel to Hanoi and visit Friendship Village, home of many victims of Agent Orange. They meet the Director of the Village and learn in depth about the impact of Agent Orange. While enroute home Nguyen’s father tells the boys about some of the family and their harrowing boat escape from Vietnam in the early 1980’s.

Another trip takes them to Sapa and the mountains of northern Vietnam where they meet hill tribe people. Returning home from Sapa Binh has the opportunity to explain his school subjects to an American that accompanied him on the visit. This discussion gives the reader an insight and appreciation of the education system in Vietnam as seen by a 14-year-old boy.

Finally, Binh accompanies his new American friend on a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels bringing about a most unexpected finish to the book.

Binh, the main character, in addition to attending school, works with his family in their rice field and at home as a smithy.

About the Author

The author spent his childhood on a cattle, wheat and alfalfa ranch in Washington State. After graduation from college, he traveled extensively during more than 30 years as an officer in the U.S. Army. His duty posts included Germany, Panama, Korea and Vietnam. Upon retirement he has worked at various endeavors and currently travels with his backpack approximately three months each year, primarily to Southeast Asia countries. He has been married more than fifty years to his high school sweetheart and has four children and seven grandchildren and step grandchildren.

Other books by the author:
Duangkaew, Thai Village Girl
Ban Chane, A Laos Village

Excerpts