When communist repressions start, Huong leaves Vietnam with her two sons to find a new home in the US. Her husband was supposed to go with them, but suddenly changed his mind at the very moment they were climbing on the refugee boat, so Huong finds herself all alone in a new country with no friends or family. The novel follows Huong and her sons as they struggle with their lives and identities - and as their life in America started with water, water will be crucial fot their fates through the whole book. There were a couple of moments in the story that touched me - the way Huong continued to communicate with her husband for years, writing him letters and even recording audiotapes, even knowing that none of it would reach him in Vietnam as the mail is controlled by communists; and the revealed truth about what made her husband change his mind and stay behind - but no spoilers here. But I guess the style just wasn't my cup of tea and the story itself was sometimes rushed: we get an insight of a character's life in one chapter and then the following one just jumps to 1/2/5 years later and it seems odd. 3 stars for me, though I guess this book will be popular, as American immigrant stories have their big niche.
