Justine Rykiel – illustratör

Don't Break My Rice Bowl is a Vietnam War fictional memoir at itscentre, wrapped in meta-narrative layers, connecting the life and legacy of thelate primary author to his protagonist, Eddie. 'A book within a book and thereader is invited in.' Feeling life is slipping him by, an American agriculturalist headsto Vietnam to try and make a difference in the lives of the people as part ofPresident Johnson's 'Hearts and Minds' campaign. There is just one big problem- there's a war going on.Eddie joins a small group of civilian advisors chosen to work withlocal farmers to help make Vietnam once again self-sufficient in rice. He isdrawn to the adventure, the challenge, and the opportunity to make adifference, but he is leaving some problems behind.His story follows the ups and downs of cultural and tropicalagriculture training in Washington DC and the Philippines, and then hisassignment in the Gia Dinh province just outside Saigon. The stakes increase asthe war intensifies and Eddie's connections in the country deepen, providingthe backdrop for the cultural, political and personal struggles that unfold.The novel shines a light on a relatively unknown part of VietnamWar history as elements of Asian history and culture, including theintroduction of 'miracle rice', are woven into the challenges of being acivilian trying to work - and live - in a war zone.The Foreword by his daughter, an Afterword by his second wife, theAppendix, and 25 hand painted illustrations by his granddaughter provide addedpoignant layers to the story. 'The fragility of life was the late author'sparting lesson; however, these words left behind were his ultimate gift.'All-Colour, Hard Cover Edition