47 pages • 1 hour read
Qui NguyenVietgone
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 2015A 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
Vietgone by Qui Nguyen tells the story of Quang and Tong, two Vietnamese refugees who meet in a camp in Arkansas after the fall of Saigon. Quang wishes to return to Vietnam, while Tong seeks a new life in the US. Despite family pressures and cultural clashes, they develop a complex romantic relationship. Decades later, their son interviews Quang to understand his parents' past, offering a nuanced look at love and displacement amidst war.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Vietgone by Qui Nguyen is praised for its fresh and irreverent take on the Vietnam War, blending humor, hip-hop, and heartfelt storytelling. The characters are richly developed, making the narrative both engaging and relatable. However, some critics feel the modern language can be jarring in historical settings. Overall, it's a bold, innovative piece that challenges traditional war narratives.
Who Should Read Vietgone?
Fans of Exit West by Mohsin Hamid and The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen will enjoy Vietgone by Qui Nguyen. This play appeals to readers who appreciate dynamic storytelling, humor, and insightful explorations of immigration and identity, blending historical perspective with modern-day narration and pop culture references.