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From the Publisher: "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."
Publisher: Harper, 2010, 216 pp
Incredible--the sights, smells. I really cared about this family, suffered with them on their journey to freedom. Ms. Manivong has a fantastic eye for the kind of detail that pulls the reader into the story. You'll be thinking about Vonlai and his family long after you've finished the book.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful book. Vonlai is a memorable character (as are the other characters), and Manivong perfectly captures the fear, love and longing they experience. I highly recommend ESCAPING THE TIGER.
ReplyDelete“Escaping the Tiger” is among the most uplifting pieces of literature I’ve been privileged to read. Go get yourself a copy.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading this book, I was struck by Vonlai's will to make a life in such a constrained environment. I especially liked the way the author built the relationship with a much-respected elderly gentleman in the community. Little by little, Vonlai learned just why this man was so admired. This is a very good read. Highly recommended for middle grade and beyond.
ReplyDeleteWe are right there with Vonlai through these terrible and formative years. This book is in every way compelling and believable. It is beautifully and thoughtfully written. An education and an inspiration. Read it!
ReplyDeleteWhat an important time in human history not to be forgotten - this book is an excellent introduction for children to better understand an event often overlooked. I would have preferred reading a forward or afterward that offerred some background information on Communism in Laos and what the political background in Thailand was like. I couldn't fully connect with Vonlai - he seemed to keep his innermost fears and desires to himself. But aside from that, readers will appreciate that a 'refugee' may have many painful stories to tell, no matter where they come from.
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