Viet Thanh Nguyen, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and USC professor, shares his journey as a refugee from Vietnam and the ongoing impact of the Vietnam War. He reflects on the trauma experienced by individuals and communities, emphasizing the resilience of the Vietnamese diaspora. Nguyen discusses lessons from the past, the cyclical nature of history, and the artistic legacy shaped by these experiences. His latest essay collection explores the role of artists in political discourse, shedding light on identity and cultural heritage.
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Nguyen Family Refugee Experience
Viet Thanh Nguyen's parents were refugees twice, first from North to South Vietnam, then to the US.
Nguyen was four during the Fall of Saigon, separated from his sister, and lived in a refugee camp.
insights INSIGHT
Refugee Bare Life
Bare life, a philosophical term, describes the dehumanizing experience of refugees.
Refugees are stripped of dignity and identity, becoming vulnerable.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Rebuilding Community
Vietnamese refugees in San Jose rebuilt community institutions, including churches and businesses.
Nguyen's parents' grocery store, Saigon Mud, became a community hub.
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Viet Thanh Nguyen's "To Save and to Destroy: Writing as an Other" is a collection of essays exploring the intersection of art and politics, particularly within the context of the Vietnamese diaspora. Nguyen delves into the complexities of identity, trauma, and the role of the artist in shaping public discourse. The essays examine the lasting impact of war and displacement, offering profound insights into the human experience. Nguyen's personal narrative intertwines with broader societal issues, creating a powerful and thought-provoking read. The book challenges readers to confront difficult truths and consider the power of storytelling in fostering understanding.
The Refugees
Viet Thanh Nguyen
A Man of Two Faces
A Memoir, A History, A Memorial
Viet Thanh Nguyen
The Sympathizer
Viet Thanh Nguyen
Francois Chau
The Sympathizer is the story of a man of two minds, a captain in the South Vietnamese national police who is secretly a mole for the National Liberation Front. The novel explores his life between two worlds, from his education in America to his return to Vietnam to fight for the Communist cause. It delves into themes of loyalty, identity, and the complexities of the Vietnam War, offering a unique perspective on the conflict and its legacy in literature, film, and contemporary politics.
The Committed
Viet Thanh Nguyen
Viet Thanh Nguyen came to the United States as a 4-year-old refugee after the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. His family eventually settled in San Jose. Nguyen went on to become a Pulitzer Prize-Winning novelist and memoirist whose books center the experience of Vietnamese people. As we approach the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, we’ll reflect on the war’s lasting impact and what we have – and have not – learned from it. And we’ll talk about his new book of essays, “To Save and to Destroy: Writing as an Other,” which explores the role of artists in political discourse.
Guests:
Viet Thanh Nguyen, author and professor at USC. His latest book is a collection of essays, "To Save and to Destroy: Writing as an Other." His previous books include the Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Sympathizer," "The Committed," and the memoir, “A Man of Two Faces."
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