Vietnam: book recommendation?

[AnonApril24]

We go to Vietnam in July. I’d like to learn more about the country and its history (not just about the war!) and looking for a recommendation of an easy to read not too heavy book that might be good? Even a kids book might work?

I’ve got Max Hastings’ Vietnam for DH but it’s a weighty tome and definitely a serious history book.

I’m also interested in lighter suggestions.

‘The Ravens’, Christopher Robbins, interesting insight into the Vietnam War

The Quiet American by Graham Greene. The film is almost as good.

I loved reading The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai while I was in Vietnam recently. Dust Child by the same author is also good.

I absolutely loved ‘Saigon’ by Anthony Grey. I read it first in my early twenties, then my early thirties and am now thinking I should revisit it again, 10 years later. Thanks for reminding me of it!

I really enjoyed this book - Hanoi Stories by Pam Scott.

Tales of people she met in the city and their lives.

Hanoi Stories

Thank you - I've just ordered this!

I'm off to Vietnam and Cambodia this year as well and so far I've read:
The Dragon Apparent (Norman Lewis) - I got a bit bored with this to be honest which is a shame as I loved Naples '44. It's his travels in IndoChina in the 50s.

River of Time (Jon Swain) - this was amazing, but not a light read. It covers his time in Cambodia and Vietnam (including the fall of Phnom Penh and Saigon in 1975).

The Quiet American (Graham Greene) - I enjoyed this - set in 50s Saigon.

I went to Vietnam & Cambodia last year.

i read their histories on-line, & also had the Rough Guides that gave condensed accounts.

I'm not sure that novels - although good reading - are the way to go.
Is "Trainspotting" a good guide to Scotland?

Both are fascinating countries, I'd love to go back.

I have to disagree with @oncemoreuntothebeachdearfriends I love to immerse myself in novels set in places I visit. No of course they are not a subsitute for learning about the history etc, but they can be a wonderful way of absorbing other aspects of the culture.

If you are after something light hearted also consider the novels of Colin Cotterill. I lived in Laos and adored recognising the quirky wonderfulness of Lao culture through his Dr Siri series.

No book recommendations but ENJOY! Vietnam is a wonderful place, my favourite holiday ever.