Feeling life is slipping him by, an American agriculturalist heads to Vietnam to try and make a difference in the lives of the people as part of President Johnson's 'Hearts and Minds' campaign. There's just one big problem - there's a war going on!
Eddie joins a small group of civilian advisors chosen to work with local farmers to help make Vietnam once again self-sufficient in rice. He is drawn to the adventure, the challenge, and the opportunity to make a difference, but he may also be leaving some problems behind.
His story moves through the ups and downs of cultural and tropical agriculture training in Washington DC and the Philippines, and then his assignment in the Gia Dinh province just outside Saigon. The stakes increase as the war intensifies and Eddie's connections in the country deepen, providing the backdrop for the cultural, political and personal struggles that unfold.
Although this is historical fiction, the late author's words are a nod to the memoir genre as his experiences in life overlap the place and time of the novel. Don't Break My Rice Bowl shines a light on a relatively unknown part of Vietnam War history as elements of Asian history and culture, Philippine and Vietnamese agriculture and rice farming, including the introduction of 'miracle rice', are woven into the challenges of being a civilian trying to work - and live - in a war zone. One might also wonder, was Robert Dodd ahead of his time? The novel hints at things to come as ecology, conservation and biodiversity have become increasingly important topics.
With the help of his daughter, granddaughter and second wife, his manuscript has been brought to life in 2022. The fragility of life was the late author's parting lesson; however, these words left behind were his ultimate gift. The additions of a poignant Foreword and Afterword, a rich Appendix, including book club questions, and the beautiful cover and 24 hand-painted chapter illustrations make this book something that will stir the emotions, giving you plenty to ponder or talk and even laugh about, leaving you with words and art to treasure.
The perfect read for a book club or to give as a gift; see and feel one man's story play out amid great outer and inner turmoil at a turbulent time in history. Buy this book to walk in another person's shoes.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
'What a brilliant, moving and vivid "through the looking glass" book this is. An irresistible read; beautiful, cover to cover.' -Gareth J. Mitchell, Presenter, BBC World Service 'From the fundamentals of getting food on the table, to the role and impact of fathers, from ambitions to benevolence, not to mention a "Godless" war, there is something for everyone. If I were back in the classroom, I'd teach this book in a heartbeat. It would encourage a plethora of classroom conversation!' -Nicholas M. Guarracino, Editor and former English Teacher 'To the thousands of histories, memoirs, and novels of America's Vietnam Experience, this is a laudable addition, a descriptive, fast-paced story told from the point of view, not of a combatant, journalist or citizen, but by a civilian agricultural expert inspired by the miracle of rice. Eddie represents the America and the Americans who really wanted to make life better for the Vietnamese. This thought-provoking book deserves a place in the light (not in a dark drawer from where it came!). It is about survival, and so much more than a story of war.' -Dr Peter J. Woolley, American Political Scientist
Sprache
Verlagsort
Produkt-Hinweis
Broschur/Paperback
Klebebindung
Maße
Höhe: 216 mm
Breite: 140 mm
Dicke: 18 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-1-7396155-1-2 (9781739615512)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Klassifikation
The primary author, Robert H. Dodd, spent his early years as a Geordie in South Shields, England, living in poverty on a working class street. World War II broke out when he was three - making him witness to the forceful German bombing campaign overhead. At nine he emigrated to America with his mother. After high school, Robert signed up for three years in the US Navy, closely followed by Cornell University to join the undergraduate 'Aggies' studying Biological & Agricultural Science. After graduation he began his career as a County Agricultural Agent in Upstate New York. From 1966 to 1987, he worked as an International Agricultural Advisor and Consultant. He received the USAID's Meritorious Honour Award for outstanding contributions to the Accelerated Rice Production Programme and the USA Medal of Civilian Service in Vietnam. (1936-1987)
