“Across the Mekong River is a beautifully complex story of the immigrant experience, one that surprised me with its wonderfully flawed characters and intense emotion… Elaine Russell’s story of a family fleeing the communist government in Laos is one of the best books I’ve read this year.”

“Ravaged by the Vietnam War, a culturally ingrained family from Laos leaves everything behind to pursue a dangerous journey across the Mekong River leading them from Thailand to the United States in Russell’s novel. Violence interrupts the lush Laotian landscape as the family makes the harrowing, death-defying struggle to elude patrolling soldiers and cross the Mekong River into Thailand. As each character’s internal conflicts unfold, his or her unique voice sheds light on the different aspects of Hmong culture. The plots expansiveness is seamless…Russell aptly integrates the culture conflict. The family’s richly drawn tension culminates in a grueling court case that affects all involved. A multifaceted tale of complex characters finding new lives in their new world.”

“From the opening of the Prologue of her new book, “Across the Mekong River,” author Elaine Russell pulls you into a tale at once fascinating and engaging…Russell strives to produce a story that goes beyond one family or one culture’s experience and explore more about the human condition. It is a very worthwhile and entertaining read.” 

“Across the Mekong River is a striking narrative that follows a Hmong family escaping from their home in war torn Laos, to refuse camps in Thailand, and then to the United States as sponsored refugees…The book is valuable for its historical detail of the Hmong population, their war experiences and their long journey to settle in other countries after the Pathet Laos Communists takeover of Laos in the 1970s.”

“This was a book that I found I could not put down… This book is rich in culture, emotion, energy, struggle, challenges and … life.  One cannot truly know the life or plight of another until they take the time to learn. Well written with strong character development, this book is moving and passionate. WorldsAPlenty highly recommends this book and awards a five-star review. Russell’s talent for passionate story telling is unrivaled.”