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cjmalcolm, November 28, 2007

Beautiful and melancholy, Memories of a Pure Spring, is set circa 1979, the period when China attacked Vietnam, 'when the music stopped.' It shows the conflict between Vietnamese Communism and art. Hung, a successful composer, discovers Suong, an opera singer to-be, languishing in poverty. He marries his star. During the war, Hung becomes unemployed while Suong's career prospers, singing for troops and 'up the scale' for the newly formed regime. Pure Spring is a lyrical metaphor for reflecting on memories of simpler times and natural, raw talent. Flashbacks contrast the pre-war elation of love to post-war failed love due to one partner's isolation.The latter is due to rejection by a corrupt new set of political players.
The author's life story of first being a total convert to Communism and then becoming an outspoken advocate for human rights and democratic reform has kept her several observant books banned in her home country. But her evocative books are critically acclaimed abroad. Quite a heroine in her own right!

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