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Mai Nguyễn's Reviews > The Mountains Sing
The Mountains Sing
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Dear Readers,
It took me seven years, hundreds of revisions, many sleepless nights, tears... and finally THE MOUNTAINS SING is here. I am so thankful to you - my precious Readers - for the gift of your time: time that you have spent or will spend with the Trần family in my novel.
Grandma Diệu Lan in THE MOUNTAINS SING is the grandmother I always wished for. Both my grandmothers had died before my birth and I wanted to have a grandma who would sing me lullabies, tell me the legends and tales of my village, as well as teach me what I needed to know about my family's history. Now, holding THE MOUNTAINS SING in my hands, I feel that I truly have a grandma. Thank you for sharing this joy with me!
Hương embodies my own experiences growing up in Vietnam and witnessing the war's devastating effect. But more than that, she represents a generation of Vietnamese who have no choice but to inherit the trauma of war brought home by returning soldiers.
While this novel embraces some of my family's stories, I interviewed hundreds of people and fictionalised their stories into THE MOUNTAINS SING. I read hundreds of fiction and non-fiction books about Vietnam which helped me gain a deep understanding of our turbulent history.
While I have published eight books of fiction, poetry and non-fiction in the Vietnamese language, I consider THE MOUNTAINS SING my most comprehensive work to date. It is my desperate call for peace and for humans to love other human beings more. I echo my call in the form of this novel, because as in the words of Hương: “Somehow I was sure that if people were willing to read each other, and see the light of other cultures, there would be no war on earth.”
I hope that the diacritical marks that accompany the Vietnamese names and words in THE MOUNTAINS SING don't interfere with your reading experiences. Those marks might look strange at first but they are as important as the roof of a home. The word “ma,” for example, can be written as ma, má, mà, mả, mạ, mã; each meaning very different things: ghost, mother, but, grave, young rice plant, horse. The word “bo” can become bó, bỏ, bọ, bơ, bở, bờ, bô, bố, bồ, bổ (bunch, abandon, insect, butter, mushy, shore, chamberpot, father, mistress, nutritious). By reading THE MOUNTAINS SING, you already show your acceptance and appreciation of my mother tongue's beauty and complexity. Thank you!
I did not have a chance to learn English until the 8th grade, so penning this epic account of Vietnam’s 20th century history in English felt like climbing a tall mountain barefoot. But I climbed with my pen in one hand and my Vietnamese-English dictionary in another. I climbed while reading English novels voraciously, learning new words every day so that these words would enter the realm of my unconsciousness.
In addition to language, I had to overcome many obstacles to be able to write this story, including fear of censorship. I am thankful to you, my Readers, for being there with me on this challenging journey as a writer.
I can't wait to hear your feedback. Please consider subscribing to my newsletter which I write occasionally to my valuable readers with my most important literary news including news of my next book: http://tinyletter.com/nguyenphanquemai
if you are on social media, please connect with me. Please take good care during the time of the coronavirus pandemic and stay safe.
With heartfelt thanks and warmest wishes,
Quế Mai
--
Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai
Website: nguyenphanquemai.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nguyenphanquemai_/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nguyen_p_quemai
Facebook: www.facebook.com/quemai.nguyenphan/
It took me seven years, hundreds of revisions, many sleepless nights, tears... and finally THE MOUNTAINS SING is here. I am so thankful to you - my precious Readers - for the gift of your time: time that you have spent or will spend with the Trần family in my novel.
Grandma Diệu Lan in THE MOUNTAINS SING is the grandmother I always wished for. Both my grandmothers had died before my birth and I wanted to have a grandma who would sing me lullabies, tell me the legends and tales of my village, as well as teach me what I needed to know about my family's history. Now, holding THE MOUNTAINS SING in my hands, I feel that I truly have a grandma. Thank you for sharing this joy with me!
Hương embodies my own experiences growing up in Vietnam and witnessing the war's devastating effect. But more than that, she represents a generation of Vietnamese who have no choice but to inherit the trauma of war brought home by returning soldiers.
While this novel embraces some of my family's stories, I interviewed hundreds of people and fictionalised their stories into THE MOUNTAINS SING. I read hundreds of fiction and non-fiction books about Vietnam which helped me gain a deep understanding of our turbulent history.
While I have published eight books of fiction, poetry and non-fiction in the Vietnamese language, I consider THE MOUNTAINS SING my most comprehensive work to date. It is my desperate call for peace and for humans to love other human beings more. I echo my call in the form of this novel, because as in the words of Hương: “Somehow I was sure that if people were willing to read each other, and see the light of other cultures, there would be no war on earth.”
I hope that the diacritical marks that accompany the Vietnamese names and words in THE MOUNTAINS SING don't interfere with your reading experiences. Those marks might look strange at first but they are as important as the roof of a home. The word “ma,” for example, can be written as ma, má, mà, mả, mạ, mã; each meaning very different things: ghost, mother, but, grave, young rice plant, horse. The word “bo” can become bó, bỏ, bọ, bơ, bở, bờ, bô, bố, bồ, bổ (bunch, abandon, insect, butter, mushy, shore, chamberpot, father, mistress, nutritious). By reading THE MOUNTAINS SING, you already show your acceptance and appreciation of my mother tongue's beauty and complexity. Thank you!
I did not have a chance to learn English until the 8th grade, so penning this epic account of Vietnam’s 20th century history in English felt like climbing a tall mountain barefoot. But I climbed with my pen in one hand and my Vietnamese-English dictionary in another. I climbed while reading English novels voraciously, learning new words every day so that these words would enter the realm of my unconsciousness.
In addition to language, I had to overcome many obstacles to be able to write this story, including fear of censorship. I am thankful to you, my Readers, for being there with me on this challenging journey as a writer.
I can't wait to hear your feedback. Please consider subscribing to my newsletter which I write occasionally to my valuable readers with my most important literary news including news of my next book: http://tinyletter.com/nguyenphanquemai
if you are on social media, please connect with me. Please take good care during the time of the coronavirus pandemic and stay safe.
With heartfelt thanks and warmest wishes,
Quế Mai
--
Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai
Website: nguyenphanquemai.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nguyenphanquemai_/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nguyen_p_quemai
Facebook: www.facebook.com/quemai.nguyenphan/
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Quotes Nguyễn Liked
“Being a mother is never easy... It’s about failing, learning, and then failing again.”
― The Mountains Sing
― The Mountains Sing
“Shadows of villages that bordered the horizon looked like women whose backs were bent with the burdens of life. My mother had had to bear hers, and it was now my turn.”
― The Mountains Sing
― The Mountains Sing
“Human lives were short and fragile. Time and illnesses consumed us, like flames burning away these pieces of wood. But it didn’t matter how long or short we lived. It mattered more how much light we were able to shed on those we loved and how many people we touched with our compassion.”
― The Mountains Sing
― The Mountains Sing
“What my uncle said made me think. I had resented America, too. But by reading their books, I saw the other side of them--their humanity. Somehow I was sure that if people were willing to read each other, and see the light of other cultures, there would be no war on earth.”
― The Mountains Sing
― The Mountains Sing
Reading Progress
Finished Reading
September 23, 2019
– Shelved
Comments Showing 1-50 of 154 (154 new)
message 1:
by
Jeanette (Ms. Feisty)
(new)
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rated it 5 stars
Dec 26, 2019 03:38PM
Thank you for sharing the story of your writing journey. I can see now how this novel is a triumph for you in every way. Your hard work has paid off, and I congratulate you once again.
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I echo Jeanette's sentiments. It's obvious that the book is a labor of love for you; you breathe life into the members of the Tran family. It was a pleasure for me to read and I hope it achieves its well-deserved success.
Jeanette and Jill: how fortunate I am that the world has gifted me your readership. Thank you so much for your kind support!
Mai! This is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for writing this important story and for your message of peace and tolerance for all culture.
Beautiful tribute and spectacular book! I will reread and I will be pressing into many, many hands. Thank you for sharing!
I just finished this magnificent novel. The story is amazing. The writing is magnificent. This will surely be on my top ten list for this year. Thank you for sharing this incredible story.
Thank you for writing one of the most beautiful novels. I read your remarks after I finished the book and was grateful that I listened to an audio version. I loved hearing the language as I would never have known how to pronounce the words.
Thank you so much, Michael, Anh, Tricia, Judi, and Anna. Your words are the flowers that make this beautiful spring. I am grateful to you and to all readers of THE MOUNTAINS SING.
This has become one of my favorite books I’ve ever read. Thank you for sharing pieces of you woven through Vietnamese history and Huong’s story. I’ll be recommending this book to my patrons, coworkers, and friends. Love to you!
I appreciate that you didn’t shy away from including the mother tongue. Thank you for taking the time to share your story and how you came to write this wonderful, moving book.
This is one of the most impactful stories I have ever read - thank you for the beauty and gift of this novel ❤️
Sarah wrote: "This is one of the most impactful stories I have ever read - thank you for the beauty and gift of this novel ❤️"Thank you so much, Sarah, for your kind words.
Allison wrote: "I appreciate that you didn’t shy away from including the mother tongue. Thank you for taking the time to share your story and how you came to write this wonderful, moving book."I loved weaving the Vietnamese language into my novel, thanks so much for reading and for your very kind message.
Kristina wrote: "This has become one of my favorite books I’ve ever read. Thank you for sharing pieces of you woven through Vietnamese history and Huong’s story. I’ll be recommending this book to my patrons, cowork..."I am so glad to hear. Thank you so much for the compassion you have for the Vietnam in my book and for my characters. Sending you much love and take good care.
Thank you for writing such a beautiful book. I just finished reading this for a book club. I hate to admit this was the first book I have read about Vietnam and it opened my eyes. Thank you for bringing this piece of history to me.
I never knew much about Vietnam except for the part the Americans were involved in. My heart hurt for the people who have endured so much suffering, but I loved learning more about the culture. Thank you for such a beautiful and heartbreaking story that still managed to make me smile. 🥰
I am in tears. This is the human story about the Vietnam War that I have been waiting to read. In 1979 growing up in California, I met my first Vietnamese friend, a boy named Hung who shared his story with me. I have gotten to hear a few more stories as I became an adult. I wanted to hear story from the Vietnamese perspective. This story will stay with me and I know with those who take the time to read it. Thank you so much for writing such a heartfelt book.
Nicole wrote: "Thank you for writing such a beautiful book. I just finished reading this for a book club. I hate to admit this was the first book I have read about Vietnam and it opened my eyes. Thank you for bri..."Thank you so much, Nicole, for reading and for your kind words. I hope you will visit Vietnam one day and I also hope your book club enjoyed The Mountains Sing.
Heather wrote: "I never knew much about Vietnam except for the part the Americans were involved in. My heart hurt for the people who have endured so much suffering, but I loved learning more about the culture. Tha..."Thank you so much, Heather, for letting me know your thoughts. Much appreciated and much love.
Richelle wrote: "I am in tears. This is the human story about the Vietnam War that I have been waiting to read. In 1979 growing up in California, I met my first Vietnamese friend, a boy named Hung who shared his st..."Richelle: How honored I am to hear your thoughts. I hope your Vietnamese friends, including Hung, have done well. Please say hi to them for me if you are still in touch with them. Thank you so much for journey with me to Vietnam via my novel. Take care and stay well.
I'm currently reading your book and I love it. God bless you.
Thank you for reminding all of us that writing is not magic, it is a daily practice that requires multiple revisions (yes, plural!) and the experience is often like "climbing a tall mountain barefoot." What an inspiring response you have shared here.
I have your novel on my to-read list, and I look forward to the journey.
Congratulations!
Thank you for writing this book! I was fortunate enough to teach English in Vietnam for 9 months as well as to visit it two additional times. It’s a beautiful country that I hope to visit again and again. It was so great to get more perspective on Vietnam’s history. I also really appreciated that you included the diacritical marks. Thanks again!
Here's my review of this book- sharing around after having been on the blog tour awhile ago. I adored the book! https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.c...
Never been to Vietnam but my best friend from university was from there.
I loved this and cried for the people who suffered and people who forgave after the war. It makes me want to explore my own family history. Thank you for sharing this story.
Wow! Wonderful story. Thank you
I was entranced by this book! It was heartbreaking, beautiful, and gave an incredible historical perspective. The descriptions in this book brought the experiences to life and made me appreciate Vietnam even more. As an expat living in Vietnam, I want to read more books like this that show me the history and culture of this country that I’ve come to love.
This book was so beautifully written and brought me to tears on multiple occasions. A true love letter to family and peace. Thank you!
Nicole wrote: "Thank you for writing such a beautiful book. I just finished reading this for a book club. I hate to admit this was the first book I have read about Vietnam and it opened my eyes. Thank you for bri..."Nicole: thank you so much for your kind words. I hope you and your book club found the novel interesting. I am grateful you journeyed to Vietnam with me via this novel. Please send my best regards and sincere thanks to members of your book club.
Jennifer Martinez wrote: "I'm currently reading your book and I love it. God bless you."Thank you so much, Jennifer, for reading and for your kind words. I hope you liked the novel's ending. God bless you and your family.
Julie wrote: "Thank you for reminding all of us that writing is not magic, it is a daily practice that requires multiple revisions (yes, plural!) and the experience is often like "climbing a tall mountain barefo..."Hi Julie, thank you so much for your interest in my novel. Yes, writing is never easy and it helps a great deal to have support from readers. Thank you and I hope you enjoyed climbing mountains with me and heard those mountains sing.
Julianne wrote: "Thank you for writing this book! I was fortunate enough to teach English in Vietnam for 9 months as well as to visit it two additional times. It’s a beautiful country that I hope to visit again and..."Thank you so much, Julianne, for reading and for your very kind words. I am so pleased and thankful that you spent 9 months teaching English in Vietnam and enjoyed it so much that you returned twice. We would love to welcome you back. Thank you!
Katherine wrote: "Here's my review of this book- sharing around after having been on the blog tour awhile ago. I adored the book! https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.c...
Never been..."
Katherine: thank you so much for the amazing review on your blog. I am very honored to have your support and glad to hear about your best friend from university being from Vietnam. I hope you will get to visit my homeland one day soon. Thank you.
T wrote: "I loved this and cried for the people who suffered and people who forgave after the war. It makes me want to explore my own family history. Thank you for sharing this story."Thank you for reading and I am sorry for the tears. I cried a lot writing the novel, too, but at the end I found peace and forgiveness. I felt uplifted knowing that there was so much love around me and my characters. Thank you for gifting me that love via your words. I hope you will research into your family history and you will write it down so that your family's stories won't be forgotten.
Lasue2836 wrote: "Wow! Wonderful story. Thank you"Thank you very much for your kind words.
Jennifer wrote: "I was entranced by this book! It was heartbreaking, beautiful, and gave an incredible historical perspective. The descriptions in this book brought the experiences to life and made me appreciate Vi..."Jennifer: I am so glad you are living in Vietnam now! what a great honor that you read my book. I hope The Mountains Sing gave you new insights into our history, traditions and ways of life... Please enjoy my homeland and thank you for being with us.
I loved this book. I really felt appreciation for the various points of view even the uncle who fought with American troops. It was beautifully written and I’ve plan to ask my book club to read it.
Abby wrote: "I loved this book. I really felt appreciation for the various points of view even the uncle who fought with American troops. It was beautifully written and I’ve plan to ask my book club to read it."Thanks so much, Abby, for reading, and for your kind words. I hope your book club will read The Mountains Sing and if they do, I would be happy to pay your book club a virtual visit.
Nguyên, you really wrote this book from the heart. It was such an honor to share in your love, pain, experiences, and thoughts. Your writing style immersed me into your beautiful view of Vietnam and I felt such a connection with your family. I'm so sorry you lost your father but I'm so happy that you've always found reasons to enjoy life and see hope in the future. I've highly recommended your book in my book club! I wish everyone could read this book! I'm going to seek out your other works (if I can read them in English) because I loved this book so much. Please never stop writing. You are like the singing birds in the mountains. Sing on.
Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for this wonderful story.
Alyssa wrote: "Nguyên, you really wrote this book from the heart. It was such an honor to share in your love, pain, experiences, and thoughts. Your writing style immersed me into your beautiful view of Vietnam an..."Dear Alyssa, thank you so much for your message, and for recommending my novel to your bookclub. I am moved by your support. Please note that The Mountains Sing is a work of fiction and it was inspired by the stories my parents told me about my grandparents, but also the stories of other families around me. My father, luckily, was a teacher and farmer. He did not have to join the war. One of my favorite things to do with him is to go on long walks and listen to his stories. He is a wonderful storyteller. Thank you.
Margaret wrote: "Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for this wonderful story."Thank you, Margaret, for reading and for your kind words.
I just loved this book! Such a moving and compassionate story of perseverance. And I SO appreciate the powerful female characters! It also really made me want to travel in Vietnam again; you brought that setting to life. I'm a high school English teacher in San Francisco, California, and I hope to teach the novel some day.
Jennifer wrote: "I just loved this book! Such a moving and compassionate story of perseverance. And I SO appreciate the powerful female characters! It also really made me want to travel in Vietnam again; you brough..."Thank you so much, Jennifer, for your kind words, and for visiting Vietnam with me again via my novel. I hope you will be able to teach my novel and if that happens, there are wonderful resources you can use: http://www.bookrags.com/The_Mountains...
Thank you for this book. You have such a mastery of poetry in both English and Vietnamese. But your work transcends language and goes into the most universal human themes — connectedness, love, empathy, our desire for peace and harmony — this is a gorgeous (even if tragic) portrait of Vietnam, of generations of families who have experienced trauma and still carry the legacy of the country’s rich and complex history. This book touched me beyond words. Thank you for birthing it and bringing it into the world. I cannot wait to read the rest of your work.
wonderful book, I loved every part of it.
A beautiful, poetic, engaging and compassionate gift. I listened to the audiobook and so enjoyed that you included phrases in Vietnamese. I will also look to read in print as I find that with books I love, both are experienced differently.
I just finished reading this eye-opening novel. I must admit, during my reading journey, I would eat báhn mì and recite summaries of every few chapters to my friends. It was great learning such intimate details of Vietnamese culture and how family-oroentated the people are. Many cultures still share the same traditional values such as being educated in the homes, marrying young, homemaking, and have religion/spirituality as a part of their lives. Thank you so much for representing such values in an empowering light! The gentle innocence and purity of Hùòng is so refreshing and life has blessed her in ways that the sacrifices of her parents and grandparents did not go to waste. Though some parts were hard to swallow, I enjoyed the read! Thank you, The Mountains Sing enlightened me so much!
I listened via audiobook and loved the phrases and sayings read correctly. This is the best books I have read this year.
