Inside Out And Back Again

The story opens in February 1975. Hà lives with her mother and three older brothers (Brother Quang, Brother Vũ, and Brother Khôi) in Saigon, South Vietnam. Hà knows her father, a naval officer, only through Mother’s stories and memories; he disappeared nine years earlier, a victim of the Communist Army of North Vietnam.

Hà learns fractions, practices embroidery, and celebrates the start of the new lunar year on Tết (February 11). As spring and Hà’s 10th birthday approach, however, the impact of the Vietnam War worsens in Saigon, and the possibility of the Communist Army’s takeover looms. Food is scarce, and prices are high; Mother makes little money although she works extra hours as a seamstress after her day job as a secretary. Uncle Sơn, Father’s friend who helps to look after them, tells Mother that she, Hà, and Hà’s brothers should prepare to escape the country on a navy vessel. Their shrinking food supply prompts Mother’s decision to leave, and she sews each of them a satchel in which to carry a few possessions. Photographs, mementos, and Hà’s beloved papaya tree must stay behind. They escape down a river toward the sea just as the Communists take control of Saigon.