Undeniably one of Vietnam’s most beloved stories, Duong Huong’s No Man River is a novel about the homefront during the American War and its aftermath. Awarded the Vietnam Writers’ Association’s most prestigious prize in 1991—the same year Bao Ninh’s The Sorrow of War was published—it has been translated into many languages, and twice been adapted into film. It tells the story of a village in northern Vietnam that must send its men to fight, but at the same time continue the communist revolution’s transformation of their society. An injured but idealistic veteran of the war against the French named Van hopes to create a modern society in which everyone will live in harmony, but first he must overcome the superstition and prejudices still held by his community. He must also keep secret his love for the village beauty, Nhan—the widow of his dearest fallen comrade. Complications arise when his nephew marries Nhan’s daughter, Hanh, just before he leaves to fight in the South. Parents long for the return of their sons. Wives and children anxiously await the return of their husbands and fathers. Resisting the socialist revolutionary notion that war is glorious or heroic, No Man River presents an innovative portrait of wartime and postwar village life that tells the story of the countless Vietnamese who carried not only the burden of war, but also all the tribulations of forging of a new society during the most tumultuous time in modern Vietnamese history.
Archives: Books
Adorable
A young boy befriends a girl from a haunted house known as ‘Adorable’. A roast pig at a Taoist funeral becomes a symbol of rebellion. A man adopts a Thai doll, hoping it would change his luck.
Meanwhile, a family of monsters live on Mount Pleasure, disguising themselves with anagrams, and a black metal scandal ruins a teenage couple’s after-school hangout at Gurney Plaza.
Set in Penang, Malaysia, these short stories describe how the island makes its people do crazy things. Its characters navigate a world of social tension and moral panic, while trying to find peace for themselves.
Swimming Lessons
Growing up was never meant to be easy for Michelle Tan. Her older sister Meredith lies in a hospital ward, unconscious and barely breathing. Sorrow-stricken, the younger girl dives headfirst into her memories – the first time Meredith taught her how to swim, their first mid-autumn festival together and her father’s untimely departure. But that only accounts for Michelle’s worldly worries. She also thinks she’s being followed. By what – she can’t exactly put a finger on. Clumsily, she navigates the arduous process of growing up and coming to terms with who she truly is while a supernatural enigma looms.
Young Constable Michael Chakrabarti experiences strange happenings during his night shifts. Mysterious recurring phone calls from an exasperated girl, a ferocious, shadowy lion of mythological origin; there doesn’t seem to be an end to the peculiarity that haunts him. Demystifying the unknown has consequences.
Captain Ishaan heads the newly-inaugurated Department of Supernatural Oddities. Shouldering the burden of being at the forefront of a revolution in science that could potentially decipher the supernatural, Ishaan soon realises that he might be too close to the puzzle for his own good. Can he truly exorcise the demons of his past?
Reality is a luxury. The Truth is never linear.
From Southeast Asia to Indo-Pacific
Southeast Asia was created by geopolitics, and it might die with it.
An era of great power rivalry made the rise of Southeast Asia possible. It stimulated common purpose and unity among nations and led to the creation and consolidation of ASEAN.
The question now is, will the return of geopolitics have a similar impact? This is no means assured. In fact, the opposite could happen. The new geopolitics is, after all, quite different from the old.
Developments affecting Southeast Asia’s reputation and appeal might destroy ‘Southeast Asia’ not just as a distinct idea, but also as pawns in the hands of great powers.
The fate of the region looks increasingly uncertain; the question arises: has Southeast Asia passed its
‘use by date’?
The Wisdom of YOLO
In a world driven by relentless hustle and the pursuit of wealth, The Wisdom of YOLO dares to redefine what it means to live fully—while still building your financial legacy. This isn’t just another money book; it’s a powerful manifesto that pushes you to ask the ultimate question: What would you do if money weren’t an issue?
Nikki Jurado guides you through a life-changing journey, merging the exhilaration of living in the now with the wisdom of deep, intentional reflection. Packed with gripping stories, actionable advice, and transformative exercises, you’ll discover how to master your finances in a way that aligns with your core values and personal vision of success. This is more than just accumulating wealth—it’s about creating a life that is unapologetically yours.
Whether your goal is financial freedom, personal fulfillment, or a purpose-driven existence, The Wisdom of YOLO is your blueprint to making every moment of your only life count.
First Quran Stories: Tying of the Camel
Tying of the Camel blends a profound Islamic teaching with simple, engaging storytelling. This beautifully illustrated book helps kids understand an essential lesson from the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), that trusting Allah goes hand in hand with taking action.
Key Features:
- Faith-based Learning – Teaching the balance between faith and responsibility
- Islamic values made simple – Builds strong moral foundations early
- Vivid illustrations – Captivates children and keeps them engaged
- Age-appropriate language – Written in simple, easy-to-understand language
- Part of the First Quran Stories Series – A series that helps kids connect with Islamic teachings from a young age.
This is more than just a story—it is a seed of faith planted in young hearts.
Hindi Sulekh Varnmala -Abyaas Pustika
Hindi Sulekh Varnmala – Abyaas Pustika is a thoughtfully designed handwriting workbook for kids. This book makes practicing Hindi letters simple, fun, and effective.
Key Features:
- Clear and Easy-to-follow Format: Each letter is broken down into simple, step-by-step instructions that young learners can easily follow.
- Perfect for Beginners: Tailored especially for kids starting to learn Hindi, making the learning curve smooth and encouraging.
- Structured Practice: Repetitive writing practice enhances letter formation and fine motor skills, building confidence in every stroke.
- Engaging Illustrations: Fun and colorful examples keep children motivated and make learning more enjoyable.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for both home learning and classroom activities, supporting parents and teachers alike.
- Supports Early Literacy: Helps children develop handwriting skills crucial for reading and writing fluency in Hindi.
Give your child the gift of beautiful Hindi handwriting with this engaging and effective workbook.
Baal Geet
Hindi nursery rhymes for kids
This book is a collection of cute and entertaining nursery rhymes for young children.
In this book children will find rhymes on different topics which will enhance their language skills. With small words and beautiful letters in each song, children will enjoy reading and understanding.
My Book of Feelings
Helping Little Ones Understand Different Feelings!
- A fun and interactive book to help children explore, understand, and express their feelings.
- Through relatable characters, engaging questions, and creative activities, children can identify their feelings and discover healthy ways to express them.
- Interactive exercises such as finding happy faces or drawing their own make learning about feelings enjoyable.
Perfect for kids, this book is a helpful tool for building emotional intelligence and starting important conversations about feelings.
Preschool Workbook for Kids
Building bright minds with preschool workbook
A workbook packed with engaging activities designed to introduce young learners to essential
concepts. It covers:
- letter recognition
- numbers
- colors
- shapes
- opposites
- early math concepts
- sight words
- phonics
- writing exercises
With vibrant illustrations and simple instructions, this workbook provides a solid foundation for preschoolers as they embark on their educational journey.