Overview

A fresh look at history masterfully told by someone who lived it. Illustrated with personal photographs.

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9798988581130

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Reviews

"""I can't tell you how compelling this book was. What an amazing story. I couldn't put it down."" Caroline Marino, Proofreader ""As I approached the end of Gardens in the Midst of War, I began to feel a sadness as I projected the void this end would leave with me. Karen's storytelling folds you into her life and gives you a bird's eye view of the seventies, taking you through a delicate and skillfully written journey into her memories of 73-75. It just so happens she spent those years in Saigon. And what a tale to tell. As a contemporary of the author, I feel like we walked in a parallel universe. Karen in Saigon. Me stateside. How many of us American Baby Boomer women recall starting down a path that commingled the traditional role of wife along with the unchartered role of career-girl? Yet, how many were set on a world stage? How pale my experiences of the world were when viewed only through the distant lens of the media or of organized tours following the umbrella. This memoir is compelling and thought-provoking because it offers the unique perspective of an adventurous Expat at a unique moment in time and place."" Frances Hannan, Reader ""My book club decided to read this book. I wasn't very excited about it because we've read so many WWII stories over the last couple of years, and I didn't want to read about another war. This book was a captivating story. I love how the author describes the city, the culture, and the people that she encounters. There were so many fascinating people. There are also photographs sprinkled throughout the book that highlight the housing and fashion discussed. After the first few pages, I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend!"" Shawna Winham, Reader ""I loved the way this author takes you behind the scenes as the war rages closer while our government keeps American civilians living there in the dark until it's almost too late. Although a memoir, it reads like a novel. I loved it."" Michele Knudsen, Critiques ""This is wonderful. OMG. Such beautiful, evocative writing. You are so darned good at setting up. This flows so well that it's hard to believe it's your first book. It's fascinating."" Nan Fornal, Editor ""Provocative tale of civilian ex-pat's experiences as South Vietnam crumbles from 1973 to 1975. Karen Kaiser does a masterful job of juxtaposing and contrasting the genteel and unfamiliar life of an American woman in a foreign culture with the inevitable destruction of South Vietnam. She writes about the parties, shopping trips, vacations, household help and culture in a way that could be any American's experiences in the midst of a war that was hidden from ex-pats by the U.S. government. A peek at how politics can endanger the lives of ordinary citizens who find themselves away from home."" Will Clapper, Copy Editor"

Author Information

Karen Kaiser grew up on a small farm south of Syracuse, New York, where she discovered the world through National Geographic magazine. Living in Vietnam at the end of the war, she was one of the few civilians who witnessed history. Karen's writing has appeared in the Journal of the Photographic Society of America and Transitions Abroad Travel Magazine. This is her first book. In addition to writing, Karen fills her time with yoga, photography, and books.

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