The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai

The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai is a powerful and evocative multigenerational novel that brings to life the personal and collective struggles of the Vietnamese people throughout the 20th century. Told through the voices of a resilient grandmother, Diệu Lan, and her granddaughter, Hương, the story follows the Trần family as they endure the land reforms, war, and displacement that defined Vietnam’s turbulent history.

Diệu Lan's recollections reveal the horrors and heartbreaks of her life, including fleeing from the landlords and enduring the Vietnam War. Meanwhile, Hương, who grows up amidst the lingering impact of the war, seeks to understand her family's history and resilience. Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai combines historical insights with lyrical prose, painting vivid scenes of Vietnam’s landscapes, traditions, and culture. The Mountains Sing is a story of hope, survival, and the unbreakable bond of family in the face of unimaginable hardships, capturing the beauty of a country scarred by its history but rich in spir