Once upon a Mulberry Field is a poignant, heartrending story of American and South Vietnamese friendship, respect, and love, set at the height of the Vietnam War. Through a unique insider’s view, this intriguing novel gives the reader a close-up look at personal aspects of the war. C. L. Hoang has masterfully captured that turbulent chapter in the United States and South Vietnam history. Readers will be moved by this historically important, unforgettable book. I could not recommend it more highly
. . . The author fully inhabits the American doctor he created as his main character. He also is pitch-perfect with details, both about military life and about life in America . . .
Beautifully written ... As much a historical account as an epic, heartfelt journey of the human spirit ... Brilliant!
Compelling story . . . written with much thought and preparation . . . The content is so rich and wonderful . . . (This book) is different from anything I’ve ever read or judged before.
The story goes beyond the events and makes the thoughtful reader contemplate the larger issues of life and death we all must face. With deep inner and outer conflict, romance, characters we can all care about, and a superb plot, Once upon a Mulberry Field is a book well worth the reader's time ...
To describe the writing in this book as eloquent is an understatement . . . There is something for everyone in this novel. It touches upon the brotherhood of soldiers and the pain of a challenging love story. My only moment of disappointment with this book was when I came to the end, I felt like I was saying goodbye to old friends and I wanted more. Hopefully C.L. Hoang will treat us to another wonderful novel.
C. L. Hoang’s novel, Once upon a Mulberry Field, brings gripping authenticity and new perspective to the Vietnam War. Through an array of American and Vietnamese characters, we experience the charm and beauty of this lush, war-torn country—interludes of love stolen between unspeakable loss. Set at Bien-Hoa military base near Saigon in 1967, the height of the war and the Tet Offensive, as well as decades afterward in California, this book will move you to tears. Yet it ends with a redemption impossible to foresee.
Once upon a Mulberry Field is a captivating story that rings true and will bring back countless memories for those who served in Vietnam. For others, it provides insight into the ironies and tragedies that were part of the Vietnam experience.
