Saturday, October 30, 2010

The Gangster We Are All Looking For

Le Thi Diem Thuy wrote a New York Times Notable Book as her debut novel. "The Gangster We Are All Looking For" is an easy read with a lyrical style that moves between space and time to depict the true story of her refugee family.

Le's family's tragic history is not unlike other Vietnamese and South East Asian refugee backgrounds. Fleeing one's beloved homeland involuntarily to dangers during the journey to safer lands is not uncommon among South East Asian families, such as those from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Unspeakable atrocities tear families apart and ravage the well being of otherwise happy lives.

There is a distinction between immigrants (who migrate willingly, and usually with adequate preparation or resources) and refugees (typically those who flee their countries of origins abruptly due to safety). Mental health professionals need to assess which background contributed to their clients' migration to their host countries. This will have implications for issues, such as: PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

What books have you read lately? I'd welcome your thoughts on this moving story or others...