Synopsis
Feeling life is slipping him by, an American agriculturalist heads to Vietnam to try and make a difference in the lives of the people as part of President Johnson's 'Hearts and Minds' campaign. There is just one big problem - there's a war going on.
Eddie joins a small group of civilian advisors chosen to work with local farmers to help make Vietnam once again self-sufficient in rice. He is drawn to the adventure, the challenge, and the opportunity to make a difference, but he is leaving some problems behind.
His story follows the ups and downs of cultural and tropical agriculture training in Washington DC and the Philippines, and then his assignment in the Gia Dinh province just outside Saigon. The stakes increase as the war intensifies and Eddie's connections in the country deepen, providing the backdrop for the cultural, political and personal struggles that unfold.
This semi-autobiographical novel shines a light on a relatively unknown part of Vietnam War history as elements of Asian history and culture, including the introduction of 'miracle rice', are woven into the challenges of being a civilian trying to work - and live - in a war zone.
The poignant Foreword by his daughter, the Afterword by his second wife, the Appendix, and 25 hand painted illustrations by his granddaughter provide added layers to the story. The fragility of life was the late author's parting lesson; however, these words left behind were his ultimate gift.
About the Author
The primary author, Robert H. Dodd (1936-1987), spent his early years as a Geordie in South Shields, England, living in poverty on a working class street. World War II broke out when he was three - making him witness to the forceful German bombing campaign overhead. At nine he emigrated to America with his mother. After high school, Robert signed up for three years in the US Navy, closely followed by Cornell University to join the undergraduate 'Aggies' studying Biological & Agricultural Science. After graduation, he began his career as a County Agricultural Agent in Upstate New York. From 1966 to 1987, he worked as an International Agricultural Advisor and Consultant. He received the USAID's Meritorious Honour Award for outstanding contributions to the Accelerated Rice Production Programme and the USA Medal of Civilian Service in Vietnam. ---- The late author wrote the manuscript for Don't Break My Rice Bowl in the 1980s. The storyline is set in the late 1960s South Vietnam. Robert's life as an American agricultural expert inspires the story. ---- There are three Don't Break My Rice Bowl collaborators. With daughter Patricia and granddaughter Justine Rykiel in the UK and wife Beth Jackson in the USA, they worked together across the miles - and time zones - to bring this forgotten manuscript to life.
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