Synopsis: Rice Flower Memoirs

“Rice Flower Memoirs” is the journey of a young Vietnamese-American woman who delves into the history of her mother’s family and relives their winding path to freedom.

Lauren Ly is a writer yearning for a meaningful story, but she is unable to find a tale worth telling. When she travels to California for a family reunion, little does she know that she will finally find her inspiration. Surrounded by gossiping aunts and well-meaning relatives all caught up in the excitement of her cousin Valerie’s impending wedding, Lauren catches hints of a story she has always wanted to know: that of her mysterious grandmother, who disappeared decades ago in Vietnam and about whom her mother and aunts still refuse to speak.

Even as Lauren deals with family drama and a confusing new romance, she begins gathering the pieces of her grandmother’s shadowed life, hoping to build a complete history little by little. What secrets did the Luong sisters leave behind when they sailed to a new life in America? What did their mother do to hurt them so deeply that the wound cannot heal over four decades later? Can facing the past bring redemption for the future?

This 70,000-word novel is the semi-autobiographical debut of a Vietnamese-American author. Combining family values, mystery, and romance set in the modern day and against the war-torn backdrop of 1970’s South Vietnam, it will appeal to readers looking for a story with heart and substance. In the lyrical style of Amy Tan and Barbara Kingsolver, “Rice Flower Memoirs” is a tale of self-discovery, of bridging the gap between generations, and of celebrating the strength and fortitude of the survivors of one of history’s most turbulent eras.