53 pages 1 hour read

Le Ly Hayslip

When Heaven and Earth Changed Places: A Vietnamese Woman's Journey from War to Peace

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1989

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

When Heaven and Earth Changed Places by Le Ly Hayslip chronicles her experiences as a peasant during the Vietnam War and as an American returning to Vietnam in 1986 to visit family. Highlighting her survival through family bonds and advocating for breaking cycles of vengeance, Hayslip juxtaposes her wartime ordeals with observations from her return visit, offering a unique, personal perspective on the conflict and its aftermath. The narrative includes descriptions of torture, death, suicide, and sexual violence.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

When Heaven and Earth Changed Places by Le Ly Hayslip offers a poignant, honest account of the Vietnam War from a civilian perspective, enriched by Hayslip's emotional depth and vivid storytelling. While the narrative is powerful and humanizing, some readers find the timeline shifts confusing. Nonetheless, its evocative prose and profound insights into perseverance stand out.

Who should read this

Who Should Read When Heaven and Earth Changed Places?

Readers captivated by personal narratives of war, resilience, and cultural intersections will appreciate Le Ly Hayslip's When Heaven and Earth Changed Places. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and Elie Wiesel's Night will find similar poignant storytelling and historical insights.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

1100L

Book Details

Topics

History: Asian

Immigration / Refugee

Politics / Government

Period

Vietnam War

Themes

Relationships: Family

Society: Colonialism

Society: War

Genre

Biography