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KPBS Midday Edition

Author Chronicles Hardships Faced By Vietnamese Immigrants In New Novel

The cover of "Things We Lost To The Water" is pictured in this undated photo.
Courtesy of Penguin Random House
The cover of "Things We Lost To The Water" is pictured in this undated photo.
In his new novel, author Eric Nguyen details the hardships faced by Vietnamese immigrants to America in the wake of the Vietnam War.

It’s been more than 40 years since Vietnam War refugees made their new homes in America.

Many stayed here in San Diego and other parts of California, but others were sent across the country in what was the largest resettlement effort in American history.

A new novel explores what that was like for a family of so-called “boat people" as they adjusted to a new and strange life in Louisiana.

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It’s a story with a special significance now, during Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month, and at a time when people of Asian heritage are experiencing an increase in outbursts of racism.

The book's author, Eric Nguyen, joined Midday Edition on Tuesday to discuss his inspiration for the novel.

Nguyen's book, "Things We Lost To The Water," will be featured in a virtual event by Warwick’s Books at 4 p.m. Wednesday.