Customer Reviews
the girl in the picture - By: G. I. Forbes, 31 Aug 2008 
Kim Phuc was 9 on 8 june 1972 when her village was napalm bombed by South Vietnamese planes on the orders of the Americans.Many of the villagers of Trang Bang were killed or injured one of whom Kim Phuc had all her clothes burnt & her severely burned.She was photographed running naked away from the flames & became known as "the girlin thw picture" This picture & 2 others of seperate incidents fully documented the horrors & barbarity of war. Kims story is well written documenting her lifein Vietnam,Germany, Russia,Cuba & eventuallyCanada where she sought asylum.Although she was well treated she was ruthlessly exploited for propaganda purposes.The central government treated her well but there was much jealousy from local officials.Abook to be recommended.
Captivating story with great history included. - By: R. Britain, 17 Jul 2008 This is more than a harrowing story of one persons strugglein war torn Vietnam. This is a captivating story of the relative recent history of Vietnam & the involvementin it of an unfortunate little girl. The story of Kim Phuc, `the girlin the picture', is fascinating, & whilst the main thread is wound around the napalm inflicted wounds on the nine year old Phuc the episode serves to take the reader through the changes experienced by the country & its people since the start of the Vietnam War. I found myself gaining a far clearer understanding of the conflict & the connection of each of the different parties involved. The mood & condition of the country & its society were brilliantly conveyed throughout the story, without being heavy & over loaded with political detail. I had long wanted to read a book that would convey the basics of the Vietnam War without the burden of reading a large volume. This book met my requirements exactly, being entertaining, interesting & informative on many levels.
Once started you'll find this hard to put down. - By: H. Richards, 20 Mar 2007 
I remember seeing 'The girlin the Picture' when it first appeared as a photograph of the Viet Nam warin 1972 & shocked the world. In the following years, Kim, the girlin the picture, would crop upin 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 & readable account of the war, & off course Kim herself & those who help her. You'd need a heart of stone not to be moved & 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.
An inspirational read, about overcoming tragedy and pain - By: , 12 Oct 2001 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 & "normal" personin a societ which craves public-interest stories. As we get to know Kim & her family we can feel their pain & horror, then their faith & joy as Kim walks on an incredible journey of recovery & discovery.The biography follows Kim & her family as they come to terms with the Viet-cong, the Americans & then the ultimate horror of war. As Kim grows & copes with her own personal war we are reminded of the strength of the human spirit, & why we should never ever give up.I am recommending this to all my friends & family.
A very moving and thought provoking read - By: la_cole@hotmail.com, 05 Sep 2001 A mesmerising account of how the American War has affected & indeed shaped the life of Kim Phuc. I was moved to tears on various occassions throughout the book & found myself crying for Kim & 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 & resilience completely & I hope I can achieve atleast half of what she has done.
