Product Description

Kim Phuc was nine years old in 1972. Severely burned by napalm, she ran from her burning village and was captured on film. Denise Chong relates Kim's experience and recovery in this astonishing biography and history of America's shameful war. The photograph of Kim, seen around the world, was one of many to turn public opinion against the war in Vietnam. This is the story of how the picture came to be and also what happened to Kim after it was taken. It provides an insight into the country Vietnam became after the US army left, and explains why Kim finally had to flee to Canada, where she now lives.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #145141 in Books
• Published on: 2001-06-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

About the Author
DENISE CHONG is the author of the spellbinding memoir THE CONCUBINE'S CHILDREN: PORTRAIT OF A FAMILY DIVIDED. This book won numerous awards and was on the Canadian bestseller list for 100 weeks. Denise lives in Ottawa with her husband and two children. KIM PHUC is now happily married with two children and lives in Ajax, Canada. She is a goodwill ambassador for UNESCO to 'spread the message of the need for reconciliation, mutual understanding, dialogue and negotiation to replace confrontation and violence'. She is also the founder of the Chicago-based Kim Phuc Foundation to help child victims of war.

Customer Reviews

An inspirational read, about overcoming tragedy and pain
This book is a truly inspirational read. From explaining about the Vietnam War through to how this famous child beat the odds to become a mother and "normal" person in a societ which craves public-interest stories. As we get to know Kim and her family we can feel their pain and horror, then their faith and joy as Kim walks on an incredible journey of recovery and discovery.The biography follows Kim and her family as they come to terms with the Viet-cong, the Americans and then the ultimate horror of war. As Kim grows and copes with her own personal war we are reminded of the strength of the human spirit, and why we should never ever give up.I am recommending this to all my friends and family.

Once started you'll find this hard to put down.
I remember seeing 'The girl in the Picture' when it first appeared as a photograph of the Viet Nam war in 1972 and shocked the world. In the following years, Kim, the girl in the picture, would crop up in the news -her new life - her charitable foundation etc. It was if the picture would never go away. The book takes you through a very moving story, a detailed and readable account of the war, and off course Kim herself and those who help her. You'd need a heart of stone not to be moved and might want to read it privately for I defy anyone not to shed a tear as they turn the pages. Don't get me wrong, this is not a 'weepy', just a very powerful non judgemental story. The reader makes their own judgement of the events. All these years later I'm glad I got round to reading about her.

A very moving and thought provoking read
A mesmerising account of how the American War has affected and indeed shaped the life of Kim Phuc. I was moved to tears on various occassions throughout the book and found myself crying for Kim and all of the other innocent victims of the war, especially the children. Kim is truly an amazing woman who has lived an amazing life. I admire her strength and resilience completely and I hope I can achieve atleast half of what she has done.