The Lotus Eaters

By: Tatjana Soli

Narrated by: Kirsten Potter

Length: 14 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

It's 1975 and the North Vietnamese army is poised to roll into Saigon. As the city falls into chaos, two lovers make their way across the city to escape to a new life. Helen Adams, an American photojournalist, must take leave of a devastated country she has come to love. Nguyen Pran Linh, the man who loves her, must deal with his own conflicted loyalties. As they race through the streets, they play out a drama of love and betrayal that began 12 years before. Their mentor, the larger-than-life war correspondent Sam Darrow, was once Helen’s infuriating lover and fiercest competitor, as well as Linh’s secret keeper, protector, and truest friend. As the sun sets on their life in Saigon, Helen and Linh struggle against both their inner demons and the ghosts of the past, illuminating the horrors of war, the dangers of obsession, and the redemptive power of love.

©2010 Tatjana Soli (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The novel is steeped in history, yet gorgeous sensory details enliven the prose….35 years after the fall of Saigon, Soli’s entrancing debut brings you close enough to feel a part of it." ( People magazine)

Surprisingly intriguing

Great story full of vivid details. I couldn't wait to listen to more and complete the journey.

Kind of boring

So much detail, every sentence. Maybe some people like that, but I skipped ahead more than a few times.

Lotus Eaters

Intriguing historical story. kept you trying to figure out where it would go. filled with a different view of history personally experienced

Epic classic

This novel covers all of the Vietnam War through the eyes of three characters/witnesses who endure, absorb, and report to the reader all aspects of the conflict. At times unbelievably so: how can so much be happening at once that is not directly about conflict? We see life in Saigon, various villages, the Me Kong delta, and even back in the US briefly. Incredible story telling for the patient listener. Very absorbing.

A Window into the Lives of Others

Almost my whole life I have been hearing about conflicts across Planet Earth; but only when exposing my self to books like The Lotus Eaters do I begin to truly understand the price people pay when conflict erupts in their home countries. The pain, loss, lack of comfort and minor amounts of the things one needs to maintain a stable life. These lessons are etched in my heart and mind. Listening to this book has deepened my desire to do good for others.

Vietnam in detail

Well written
Seemed factual
Very moving
Frightening
Realistic would like to read other books by this author

Peel Back the Skin of the Onion . . .

Things as never as they look from the outside . . . and many don't want to peer into the darkness anyway. But those who are brave enough find untold beauty, unknown strength, and unbelievable horror. This is the Vietnam story I have been looking for, the only one that makes any sense, and as hard as it is, the one I can understand. I was a teen during the Vietnam war and watched it unfold on television, not understanding why America was unable to conquer this small country ... seeing so many boys in my small town be drafted go off to war. Although The Lotus Eaters is more than a love story, the love between Helen and Linh begins an eruption of emotions and we begin to see even more of the Vietnam that had broken Linh's heart in the first place. As things began to culminate, the fear rose in me that I would be angry with the ending of this book, but happily I was wrong. I cannot stand to go through an entire book and get to a pitiful end. This book did not disappoint.

Reminded me of the horrors of the Vietnam War

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I favor historical fiction so this was right up my alley. I loved the main character Helen. The plot brought me back to the Vietnam War, when I was in college... The writing by this author was wonderful~~like poetry in prose...The shocking parts were not overly drawn. And, contrary to many other reviewers, I enjoyed the narrator's voice.

Remarkable Story abouFemale Journalist in Viet Nam

Having read numerous fiction accounts of the Viet Nam war, all of which focused on male soldiers or male citizens, this book stands out among them. It is the story of a young woman who through luck and happenstance becomes a successful Life magazine photographic correspondent. It is a story within the war that hasn't been told enough, and one that Soli made very enjoyable with descriptive prose that brought this listener visions of Saigon and the Viet Nam countryside that I had never before experienced.

The first few minutes I found the narration to be off-putting with over emphasis on awkward phrases and too earnest enunciation. But as Potter warmed to the task, her performance improved dramatically, though she never really got the hang of southern accents completely right. I can forgive that!

I recommend this book as yet another way of experiencing the Viet Nam war -- this time through the rough and tumble experiences of a female in the new business.

Only politicians should fight political wars

Liked the personal touch, but hated the war story. This book should be required reading for all politicians