Escaping the Tiger by Laura Manivong Twelve-year-old Vonlai knows that soldiers who guard the Mekong River shoot at anything that moves, but in oppressive Communist Laos, there's nothing left for him, his spirited sister, Dalah, and his desperate parents. Their only hope is a refugee camp in Thailand—on the other side of the river.
When they reach the camp, their struggles are far from over. Na Pho is a forgotten place where life consists of squalid huts, stifling heat, and rationed food. Still, Vonlai tries to carry on as if everything is normal. He pays attention in school, a dusty barrack overcrowded with kids too hungry to learn. And, to forget his empty stomach, he plays soccer in a field full of rocks. But when someone inside the camp threatens his family, Vonlai calls on a forbidden skill to protect their future—a future he's sure is full of promise, if only they can make it out of Na Pho alive.
In her compelling debut, Laura Manivong has written an evocative story that is vividly real, strongly affecting, and, at its heart, about hope that resonates in even the darkest moments.
-I don't have to wait to long for this one since it comes out next week! I didn't know it was coming out so soon (for some reason I thought it debuted in May). Anyway, this book sounds absolutely enthralling and it's historical fiction about an original era of history (not the same old). Hooray for more Asian historical fiction :) MG
This does sound like an interesting book, with a different setting and historical era. Like you I am drawn to books that are different in setting chosen.
ReplyDeleteHoping to get started on this one this weekend! I'm really looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say, I am waiting for this book too! =D
ReplyDeleteI know this is a little late for this post, but I just finished reading this book (my review for it will hopefully be up soon). I really enjoyed it, so now I can't wait to see what your thoughts of it are once you read it. I hope you like it as much as did.
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