This story primarily focuses on the effects of warfare on innocent civilians living in a war-torn society. While the beginning starts off in a 1969 Laos town with bombs dropping like rain and airplanes swarming over like flies, this is a minimal part of the story. The results after the war are the central emphasis.
It begins with three teenage orphans Alisak, Prany, and Noi who scavenge supplies and help a farmhouse-turned-medical facility in exchange for money, shelter, and food. They risk going into the dangerous apocalyptic-like town of Phonsavan with bombs dropping all around to find medical care and pick up hurt civilians while befriending a doctor at the facility named Vang. However, this setting only lasts for the first 28% of the book (on a Kindle). With the four seeking to leave, they are then separated while on their way to be rescued. It is at this point where the story really begins.
The remainder of the book sheds light on what happened to Alisak, Prany, Noi, and Vang after being separated. Some of them were released after being imprisoned by communists and reeducated for seven years, though it does not recount their time or reeducation in prison. Other characters were rescued only to experience a sensation of loneliness and separation, while some did not make it. The suffering ensued by each reflects the dejected nature of post-traumatic stress that civilians experience when growing up in a battle zone.
There are no chapters; it is divided into parts by character. The first part (the first 28% mentioned above) is told from Alisak’s point of view. It then goes through four other characters viewpoints in sections detailing what occurred after being separated.
The setting was different, and I enjoyed the premise. I did not feel connected with Alisak or Auntie, but I really enjoyed Prany, Noi, and Khit. Since it jumps right into the story from the start, the beginning first two parts of Alisak and Auntie felt slightly disjointed as I was trying to piece a few things together. Overall, I really liked the novel though it was not an expeditious page turner for me. Nevertheless, it is an important story that speaks volumes. Many thanks to Netgalley, Paul Yoon, and Simon & Schuster for this ARC. Visit Paul Yoon’s blog to learn more.
More on this topic:
President Barack Obama Visits Laos
Communism in Laos
Laos during the Vietnam War
