38 pages • 1 hour read
Duong Thu HuongParadise of the Blind
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Paradise of the Blind by Duong Thu Huong follows Hang, a young Vietnamese woman working in Russia, who is summoned to Moscow by her Uncle Chinh, leading her to reflect on her family's troubled past. Her story unfolds through flashbacks, revealing the turmoil caused by Vietnam's Land Reform, which divided her family and left lasting scars. Through various family conflicts and personal sacrifices, Hang ultimately seeks to break free from the cycle of suffering that has plagued her lineage.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Paradise of the Blind by Duong Thu Huong is lauded for its vivid, evocative prose and stark portrayal of postwar Vietnamese life, capturing the struggles and resilience of its characters. Critics appreciate its rich cultural details, though some find the narrative bleak and the pacing uneven. Overall, it provides a poignant insight into personal and political turmoil.
Who Should Read Paradise of the Blind?
Readers who relish intricate family dynamics and socio-political commentary will find Paradise of the Blind compelling. Similar to Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club and Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, this novel blends personal narrative with broader historical themes. Fans of vivid, culturally rich storytelling will appreciate this poignant Vietnamese tale.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
720LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Education
Classic Fiction
Relationships: Family
Women's Studies (Nonfiction)
Education
Gender / Feminism
Asian Literature