The book has 16 substantive
chapters, each covering an angle of this investigator's view. For example, the chapter called
"Famine" concentrates on the famine caused by the Japanese which killed millions of Vietnamese. I
know some older Vietnamese who still vividly remember seeing hungry people dropping dead everyday
on the streets and who, because of that hellish experience, even now will never throw away leftover
rice but will keep for the next meal.

If you want to know what "shadows and wind" means, go to
the chapter "Cymbals ..". Hint: it is to do with a fairly peculiarly Vietnamese way of talking
when you can't talk.

Other chapters deal with Vietnamese food (Feast), youth (I think called
Young & Restless), religion (Faith), media, etc.

Templer expressed perhaps thousands of
observations in his book. I found that most of them correspond with, extend, or challenge my own
observations as a Vietnamese. I didn't agree with a few observations, but these may be differences
of opinion rather than a lack of research or impartiality.

While a small problem, Templer should
have been more careful in spelling a few names. He may not remain cool if I spelled his name as
Temper, yet he mis-spelled the name of a well-known Vietnamese in Australia.

I would offer
another constructive criticism: the book is quite dry, with lots of facts and observations but
nothing - like entertainment, pictures, etc. - to lighten the reading load.

Overall, this book is
well researched, and not weighed down with ideology or historical baggage.

Trung

An excellent book from any point
of view. I highly recommend it.