Don't Break My Rice Bowl: A beautiful and gripping novel, highlighting the personal and tragic struggles faced during the Vietnam War, bringing the late author and his 'forgotten' manuscript to life

Dodd, Robert H.

ISBN 10: 1739615514 / ISBN 13: 9781739615512

Published by Holey Jumper Press, 2022

About this Item

Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read but remains in clean condition. All of the pages are intact and the cover is intact and the spine may show signs of wear. The book may have minor markings which are not specifically mentioned. Signed by Author(Unverified).

Seller Inventory # rev6726881796

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Don't Break My Rice Bowl: A beautiful and gripping novel, highlighting the personal and tragic struggles faced during the Vietnam War, bringing the late author and his 'forgotten' manuscript to life
• Publisher: Holey Jumper Press
• Publication Date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1739615514
• ISBN 13: 9781739615512
• Binding: Soft cover
• Illustrator: Rykiel, Justine
• Condition: Good
• Weight: 390 grams

About this title

Synopsis

First Edition Paperback

Don't Break My Rice Bowl is a Vietnam War fictional memoir at its centre, wrapped in meta-narrative layers, connecting the life and legacy of the late primary author to his protagonist, Eddie. 'A book within a book and the reader is invited in.'

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.
The 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 Foreword by his daughter, an Afterword by his second wife, the Appendix, and 25 hand painted illustrations by his granddaughter provide added poignant layers to the story. 'The fragility of life was the late author's parting lesson; however, these words left behind were his ultimate gift.'