"The Unwanted: A Memoir of Childhood" is a poignant and moving memoir by Kien Nguyen, published in 2002. The book recounts Nguyen's harrowing experiences as a child during the Vietnam War, including his escape from Saigon and his subsequent journey to America as a refugee.
Nguyen's memoir is a powerful testimony to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. He vividly describes the horrors of war and the pain of leaving behind his family and homeland, as well as the challenges he faced as a refugee in a new and unfamiliar land.
Throughout the book, Nguyen's writing is both honest and heartfelt, offering a unique and personal perspective on the refugee experience. He writes with compassion and empathy about the people he encountered on his journey, from the fellow refugees who helped him survive to the American soldiers who risked their lives to save him.
"The Unwanted" is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and displacement, and a tribute to the courage and resilience of refugees everywhere. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Vietnam War, as well as for anyone who seeks to understand the refugee experience and the challenges faced by those who flee their homes in search of a better life.