Full Description
Don't Break My Rice Bowl is a Vietnam War fictional memoir at its
centre, wrapped in meta-narrative layers, connecting the life and legacy of the
late primary author to his protagonist, Eddie. 'A book within a book and the
reader is invited in.'
Feeling life is slipping him by, an American agriculturalist heads
to Vietnam to try and make a difference in the lives of the people as part of
President Johnson's 'Hearts and Minds' campaign. There is just one big problem
- there's a war going on.
Eddie joins a small group of civilian advisors chosen to work with
local farmers to help make Vietnam once again self-sufficient in rice. He is
drawn to the adventure, the challenge, and the opportunity to make a
difference, but he is leaving some problems behind.
His story follows the ups and downs of cultural and tropical
agriculture training in Washington DC and the Philippines, and then his
assignment in the Gia Dinh province just outside Saigon. The stakes increase as
the war intensifies and Eddie's connections in the country deepen, providing
the backdrop for the cultural, political and personal struggles that unfold.
The novel shines a light on a relatively unknown part of Vietnam
War history as elements of Asian history and culture, including the
introduction of 'miracle rice', are woven into the challenges of being a
civilian trying to work - and live - in a war zone.
The Foreword by his daughter, an Afterword by his second wife, the
Appendix, and 25 hand painted illustrations by his granddaughter provide added
poignant layers to the story. 'The fragility of life was the late author's
parting lesson; however, these words left behind were his ultimate gift.'
All-Colour, Hard Cover Edition
Contents
White House letter from President Lyndon Johnson to Robert H. Dodd, 1966
Foreword
Prologue: The Jog
PART ONE
Hearts and Minds
RICE
Davinia and Rosita
PART TWO
Saigon, 'the Pearl of the Far East'
The Docks
Colonel Horst
The Orphanage
The Cooperative
Ted
Dynamo Will
Very Big Luck
Zoom
The VIPs
Carl
Village Piglets
Marshmallow and Cricket
House Party
PART THREE
Lunar New Year, 1968
Deadly Believers
The Weed Killers
Evil Machine
Broken Rice Bowls
Face-Off
Love Song
Afterword
APPENDIX
A Vietnam Vet's Book Review
Character List
Writer Inspiration
Robert H. Dodd, Overseas Assignment Life
Acknowledgement and Thanks
Book Club Questions
The Team DBMRB Bios
