A review by emmalong
The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai

5.0

I absolutely adored this book. First and foremost, I learned so much. I cannot say I have heard of the Việt Nam war from any perspective except the American one. I am obviously aware of the horrors of war and how America infringes its beliefs upon other countries, but it was a whole different experience to read about it firsthand from the opposing point of view. War is so detrimental and devastating and I can barely comprehend the scope of it. Hương and her family endure so much hardship, I could not help but wonder along with the characters when it would all end. Her grandmother, Diệu Lan, is one of the most resilient characters I have ever read and her story inspired so much hope in me and my worldview. The outlook that she had was remarkable and I could not help but just love her because she felt so real. To me, this story was a realistic, heartbreaking, and yet hope filled story that I will remember for a long time.