The Last Boat Out: Memoirs of a Triumphant Vietnamese-American Family

Truong-Nhu Dinh and Tran Thi Truong Nga
GASLight Publishing (2006)
ISBN 0975479660
Reviewed by Kelley Anderson for Reader Views (8/06)

Every family has a story. For one family, their struggles through poverty, the Vietnam War and immigrating to a foreign country has only proven that a strong family bond can make any situation bearable, and any dream possible. “The Last Boat Out” is their story. 

This is the story of two children growing up in a united Vietnam that witness the country they love become torn apart by war.  They start over in a foreign country, with an unfamiliar language and culture, while still keeping their own culture and traditions alive. It is a beautifully told story, drawing you in to the simple Vietnamese lifestyle. It makes you weep for the innocent children disfigured by war and dance with joy as they are rescued from sure death on a boat to nowhere.

This book is full of descriptions of a beautiful Vietnam. It is a story written in simple language and instantly puts you in the lives of the Truong-Nhu family. You feel their struggles and desires. I especially liked reading the descriptions of the old Vietnam - how the places were an important part of everyday life.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious about Vietnam or just wants to read a story about faith and family.

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