The past few years I’ve often opted for fiction books, mostly ones with happy endings! I’ve avoided books about war because as an empath I really struggle to understand how there can be so much hate and anger in the world.

When I was looking for a new book to read, I looked through my books and found this one called The Mountain Sings. I seem to recall George choosing this when we were in a bookshop in the Isle of Skye. At the time I read the back and knew I wasn’t strong enough at that point to read something harrowing. But for whatever reason this book was calling out to me at this particular time. And I was so glad it did.

You’re instantly taken to Việt Nam in 1972. Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai does the best job of really making you fall in love with the characters, and makes you feel like you are truly there. And what a journey this is. You’re taken through multiple wars, land reforms, the great hunger. It’s actually unbelievable that one generation could experience this much pain in a lifetime. It had my crying within the first 20 pages but smiling at the sheer power of some women in the world.

I don’t want to spoil this book for anyone that hasn’t read it but it’s definitely given me perspective on the world and has made me want to open my eyes a bit more to the brutality of wars as opposed to turning a blind eye. It’s important to make sure those who have suffered still have voices and their stories are not lost. We don’t have to look back on the fault of mankind for war, but at the heroes who pulled through still trying to see the light in very dark times.

My favourite quotes from the book:

“If you bear grudges, you’re the one who will bear the burden of sorrow.”

“Good luck hides inside bad luck.”

“I realized that whenever humans failed us, it was nature wo could help save us.”