This book comprises a collection of essays on Vietnamese literature and culture in general, modern and ancient. Writing in a forceful style, epigrammatic and humorous at times, the author touches many aspects of modern-day literature in Vietnam and diasporas in a down-to-earth fashion, critical but also entertaining to read. Following is a reply from a reader who has read the book in advance:
"A skilled writer, Trinh Y Thu carefully uses his wealth of knowledge of the subject-matter in a convincing manner. His use of humor here and there across the essays makes the book lively, attractive and easy to follow. The author cites many ancient and modern scholars in the book and uses a bevy of anecdotal stories to highlight and emphasize the broad themes. World literature, with author's writing skills, come into focus as the author expertly expounds and interprets them in details, which make it easier for the readers to absorb the deeper conveying literate sense beneath the story." – Tieu Bich, Pasedena, CA