53 pages • 1 hour read
Le Ly HayslipWhen Heaven and Earth Changed Places: A Vietnamese Woman's Journey from War to Peace
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1989A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
When Heaven and Earth Changed Places by Le Ly Hayslip chronicles her experiences as a peasant during the Vietnam War and as an American returning to Vietnam in 1986 to visit family. Highlighting her survival through family bonds and advocating for breaking cycles of vengeance, Hayslip juxtaposes her wartime ordeals with observations from her return visit, offering a unique, personal perspective on the conflict and its aftermath. The narrative includes descriptions of torture, death, suicide, and sexual violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
When Heaven and Earth Changed Places by Le Ly Hayslip offers a poignant, honest account of the Vietnam War from a civilian perspective, enriched by Hayslip's emotional depth and vivid storytelling. While the narrative is powerful and humanizing, some readers find the timeline shifts confusing. Nonetheless, its evocative prose and profound insights into perseverance stand out.
Who Should Read When Heaven and Earth Changed Places?
Readers captivated by personal narratives of war, resilience, and cultural intersections will appreciate Le Ly Hayslip's When Heaven and Earth Changed Places. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and Elie Wiesel's Night will find similar poignant storytelling and historical insights.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1100L