Saigon Passage

SAIGON PASSAGE
Huy's Memoir This memoir recounts in extensive detail how Huy and his family overcame many challenges of survival to himself and his family in Viet Nam following the 'fall of Saigon' in April, 1975.
In Part One, The narrative begins from his early years as a child in the aftermath of the end of the Viet Nam War, and continues through several failed escape attempts over his years as a teenager, including a long incarceration in a 're-education camp.' He finally managed to escape in 1989 at age 20. He is one of the 'boat people' refugees from the period beginning in 1975 and extending beyond 1989.
At sea for many days, packed into the bottom of the carved out hull of a river boat with over 100 other refugees, he and his fellow refugees eventually find safe haven in one of the UN refugee camps which spanned from Indonesia, the Philippines and other countries in the region south of Viet Nam. They make it to Indonesia. Huy lived over seven years in the refugee camp. Like many others in that camp, he ended up having to return to Viet Nam in 1997, for reasons detailed in the narrative.
He then spends about two years living again with his family in Saigon until he is notified that his application for admission to the USA has been approved. Part One ends with his departure to the USA after an immigration officer informs him, 'Welcome to the USA.'
Part Two covers his experience in America from the time of his arrival to the date of the writing of his memoir. The challenges he encounters over these years of adaptation to the new surroundings, culture, and workplaces are extensively detailed. After many different experiences in several parts of America over some four years, he finally lands in a very supportive living situation in Seattle, and in a very stable position of gainful employment. He has gained his US citizenship. He has so far successfully accomplished the mission: to be 'free, ' to support himself, and to assist his family who remain in Saigon.
Some ten years passed before he was able to see his family again. The final chapters recount his reflections after re-visiting his family in Saigon, accompanied by his very good friend Peter, on how the lives of Huy and his family have unfolded up to that time.