Phan Que Mai, Nguyen: The Color of Peace

Where memory meets hope: a powerful collection from one of Vietnam's most important contemporary voices.

In this stunning collection, international bestselling author Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai turns her poetic lens to the lasting impacts of war, the strength of family bonds, and the enduring search for peace and reconciliation. Through intimate poems and essays, she masterfully connects the personal with the political, bringing to life the stories of those who have lived through conflict, separation, and reunion.

Drawing from her experiences growing up in post-war Vietnam and her work bridging cultures as a writer and translator, Quế Mai crafts verses that speak to both specific moments in history and universal human experiences. From the haunting "Tears of Quảng Trị" to the tender "My Father's Bàng Tree," each piece reveals layers of meaning about family, memory, and healing.

The collection moves seamlessly between poetry and prose, offering readers a comprehensive view of Vietnam's past and present through the eyes of someone who has lived its complex history. With the same lyrical power that made "The Mountains Sing" and "Dust Child" international bestsellers, Quế Mai shows us how the wounds of war can be healed through storytelling, understanding, and compassion.