Escape from Communist Heaven

Although this is a fictional novel it is based on the true experiences of Viet Nguyen and his journey of seeking freedom from South Vietnam at age 14. The author wrote the novel through the eyes of a teenage boy trying to adapt to the rule of communism in his country. Freedom, self-worth, and basic living needs were abruptly stolen from Viet and his family. The author was able to capture the fears that set in when the communist rule made it's way into South Vietnam. Despite their best attempts, Viet's family was unable to escape the reality that their lives were soon to change in a way they could not wish to imagine. Viet's rebellious nature led to his being taken prisoner to a labour camp where he faced unimaginable torture under communist leadership. The novel shares the internal and external fight that Viet kept in order to gain freedom as his ongoing motivation. The author was descriptive in setting the scenes of Saigon, the labour camps, jungles and complex waterways. Themes flowed throughout the novel while sharing the resiliency and determination of Viet, his parents and family in their fight for freedom. The author wrote of the complex dynamics and roles within Viet's family and the relationship that he held with his peers and later with co-prisoners at the labour camps. It was evident that Viet felt an ongoing confusion and indescribable anger towards communist rule as he continued to follow commands that went against his learned values in order to stay alive. It was clear that the author spent a significant time with his research in order to share his fictional account based as close to fact as possible. He did not sugar coat the poverty, disease, torture and death, it happened and he told it as it was. My one criticism is that the ending felt rushed and abrupt. I would recommend this novel to ages 14 and up. I commend Dennis W. Dunivan for penning this story that needs to be shared and to Viet Nguyen for being a positive advocate for freedom and change

Viet Nguyen lived in Saigon just before the collapse of the Vietnam War as a teenager who enjoyed the freedom to hang out with his friends, go to the cafe and get a coffee, or just do nothing and take a nap. With the fall of Saigon, the Americans evacuated Vietnam and the South fell to the North Vietnamese and communism. The story opens with Viet's parents fear of the communist takeover and having a taste of it in the north, decide to leave the country. They do not succeed. Viet's father was part of the military intelligence and the fear of what can now happen to him as well as the family prevails over the story. They must learn as a family to confirm to communism and learn to curb their true opinions so that the family will survive. Viet is the oldest son and must quickly mature into a young adult in order to survive especially when he gets thrown into a re-education camp. Viet bears witness to much of the atrocities that are done to civilians as communism trickles into the homes of all. I read an advance copy of the book. This is geared as a young adult story but in some parts might be difficult for someone of say 13 years old to understand. Also $17.99 is quite high to pay for a young adult hardcover book and felt the book would probably sell better as a paperback. One thing that really bothered me about the book is that on the cover it states "Based on a true story" and yet does not give the main character Viet Nguyen, who is a real person any credit for revealing his story to the author Dennis Dunivan. In the back of the book after the story it states that Mr. Donovan "also interviewed other Vietnamese refugees and wove many of their stories into the novel." Is it based on one person's experience (as advertised on the cover 'based on A true story' with no mention of that person's name on the cover) or is it based off of more than one refugee with many experiences woven into one?

I'm a homeschooling mom and I highly recommend this book for high schoolers. I first gave this book to my dad to read (since I knew he'd have more time to finish it before I did). He told me it was terrific--that he couldn't put it down. My dad is an avid reader and I value his opinion immensely. I started this book and completely agreed with him. It's one of those books you cannot put down and continue to think about throughout your day. I plan on having my 10th grader read it next. It's an excellent book to bring home Vietnam history in a very real and critical way. One of the best books I have read in a very long time.

When the American's abandon South Vietnam and the North takes over, Viet Nguyen and his family must give up most of what they have. While life used to be comfortable, life is now full of hunger and fear. When he is caught selling on the black market, Viet Nguyen is sent to a labor camp, where is he given very little food and expected to work extremely hard.This book was very well written and engaging. I think that it would be a great book for teenagers and young adults, who may not know little about Vietnam and it's war. Overall, highly recommended.