|summary=A fascinating view of Vietnam through the eyes Ru. This novel travels from the depths of the past up to the Cambodian war and the struggle of the boat people as refugees in the footsteps of one family. It's an easy read, but profound and inspirational; the sort of book that could make us think twice the next time we moan about the weather or a late bus.
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Everyone of a certain age will remember the American withdrawal from Vietnam in 1975. This was the answer to years of student protests and the prayers of many US parents who saw sons like theirs drafted to war only to return in body bags. As far as the west was concerned, the suffering was over. However, for the Vietnamese people, the suffering continued as the Khmer Rouge and then the invading Cambodians killed, tortured and destroyed people who were just trying to survive. ''Ru'' is written by and about one such person.
If you'd like to read more about the Vietnamese conflict and its survivors, perhaps try [[The Beauty of Humanity Movement by Camilla Gibb]].