I attended the BEA show in NYC May 29 to June 1 of this year. Passing through a crowd one day, I came upon a book giveaway and so, I got a copy. Settling into my seat on my flight back a day later, I dug in to read.
I grew up during the Vietnam conflict. Though very young at the time, I remember hearing the news and seeing the pictures flash across the television screen. I remember especially, Malcolm Browne's photo of the burning monk. When I went to college, I studied political science and philosophy, and I concentrated some of my studies around the history and people of what was then the Soviet Union. Readings and discussions of the Vietnam conflict came up from time to time. Even so, I knew little more than the average person about the origins of the conflict, the history of this land and its people, or the key figures leading up to the conflict in which the U.S. became engaged. Finding the Dragon Lady helped to answer some of those questions.
I especially admire Demery's pursuing this legendary and controversial figure and because of her efforts, the opportunity I was granted to gain some insight into Madam Nhu and what motivated her. In the end Madam Nhu does not seem a particularly sympathetic figure, but Demery was able to weave some of Madam Nhu's personal stories into this historical account that did lend a hand to my understanding this controversial figure somewhat better.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in the history and political intrigues of this era.
Find out more about the author, Monique Brinson Demery on Goodreads here. Finding the Dragon Lady is available on Amazon here and on Barnes and Noble here.
I grew up during the Vietnam conflict. Though very young at the time, I remember hearing the news and seeing the pictures flash across the television screen. I remember especially, Malcolm Browne's photo of the burning monk. When I went to college, I studied political science and philosophy, and I concentrated some of my studies around the history and people of what was then the Soviet Union. Readings and discussions of the Vietnam conflict came up from time to time. Even so, I knew little more than the average person about the origins of the conflict, the history of this land and its people, or the key figures leading up to the conflict in which the U.S. became engaged. Finding the Dragon Lady helped to answer some of those questions.
I especially admire Demery's pursuing this legendary and controversial figure and because of her efforts, the opportunity I was granted to gain some insight into Madam Nhu and what motivated her. In the end Madam Nhu does not seem a particularly sympathetic figure, but Demery was able to weave some of Madam Nhu's personal stories into this historical account that did lend a hand to my understanding this controversial figure somewhat better.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in the history and political intrigues of this era.
Find out more about the author, Monique Brinson Demery on Goodreads here. Finding the Dragon Lady is available on Amazon here and on Barnes and Noble here.
