Living with Agent Orange: Conversations in Postwar Viet Nam

The harmful legacies of Agent Orange, the toxic herbicide used by the American military during the Vietnam War, have affected the lives of nearly three million Vietnamese people. Diane Niblack Fox interviewed families and individuals in the northern, central, and southern regions of Vietnam to understand the impact of Agent Orange on their lives and livelihoods. The book captures the personal accounts of villagers, including their struggles to care for loved ones with chronic illnesses and disabilities and their efforts to secure medical and financial assistance. It also showcases the stories of rebuilt lives, family and community support, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: University of Massachusetts Press

For over half a century, the Vietnamese people have borne the devastating consequences of Agent Orange, the toxic herbicide deployed by the American military during the Vietnam War as a form of chemical warfare. Despite ongoing scientific and political debates regarding the appropriate response to its human and environmental impacts, the nearly three million Vietnamese individuals whose lives have been shaped by its lingering effects have largely been excluded from the discourse.
To gain a deeper understanding of the enduring effects of Agent Orange on the daily lives and livelihoods of ordinary Vietnamese people, Diane Niblack Fox conducted extensive interviews with families and individuals residing in various regions across the country, including the northern, central, and southern parts. Through her powerful and poignant prose, Fox vividly captures the personal accounts of villagers, who share their experiences of caring for loved ones afflicted with chronic illnesses and disabilities, as well as their relentless efforts to secure medical and financial assistance.
Living with Agent Orange also unfolds the inspiring stories of resilience and rebuilding, showcasing the unwavering support of family and community, as well as the indomitable human spirit. These narratives illustrate the profound impact of Agent Orange on individuals and communities, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address its long-term consequences.
The legacy of Agent Orange continues to haunt the Vietnamese people, reminding us of the profound human and environmental costs of war. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability, justice, and healing for all those affected by this tragic chapter in history. As we strive to build a more inclusive and sustainable future, we must continue to honor the memory of those who have suffered and work towards a world free from the harmful effects of chemical warfare.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781625347480