"Examining nearly every aspect of Vietnamese politics and society, from the economy and family life, to religion and the plight of indigenous minorities, Hayton gives a balanced, intelligent account of a country whose history so differs from our own."–Justin Wintle, Financial Times
"Enlightening and persuasive."–Jonathan Mirsky, New York Review of Books
"Hayton has a keen eye for the detail of everyday life as well as larger cultural, economic, social, and political currents. This book leaves one with the feeling of having been in the hands of an expert craftsman, and illuminates some of the major issues confronting contemporary Vietnam."–Carlyle A. Thayer, author of
Vietnam People's Army