Saigon

An epic saga of love, blood, and destiny in twentieth-century Vietnam: This superb novel could well be the War and Peace of our age (San Francisco Chronicle). Joseph Sherman first visits Saigonthe capital of French colonial Cochin-Chinaas a young man on his fathers hunting trip in 1925. But the exotic land lures him back again and again as a traveler, soldier, and reporter. He returns because of his fascination for the enchanting cityand for Lan, a mandarins daughter he cannot forget. Over five decades Josephs life becomes enmeshed with the political intrigues of two of Saigons most influential families, the French colonist Devrauxs, and the native Trans. In this sweeping saga of tragedy and triumph, Joseph witnesses Vietnams turbulent, war-torn fate. He is there when millions of coolies rise against the French, and during their bloody last stand at Dien Bien Phu. And he sees US military advisors fire their first shots in Americas hopeless war against the Communist revolution. A story of adventure, love, war, and political power, Saigon presents an enthralling and enlightening depiction of twentieth-century Vietnam.