Don't Break My Rice Bowl

By: Robert H. Dodd, Patricia Rykiel, Beth Jackson

Narrated by: Danny Holt

Don't Break My Rice Bowl is a Vietnam War fictional memoir at its centre, wrapped in meta-narrative layers, connecting the life and legacy of the late primary author to his protagonist, Eddie. 'A book within a book and the reader is invited in.'

Feeling life is slipping him by, an American agriculturalist heads to Vietnam to try and make a difference in the lives of the people as part of President 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 with local farmers to help make Vietnam once again self-sufficient in rice. He is drawn to the adventure, the challenge, and the opportunity to make a difference, but he is leaving some problems behind.

His story follows the ups and downs of cultural and tropical agriculture training in Washington DC and the Philippines, and then his assignment in the Gia Dinh province just outside Saigon. The stakes increase as the war intensifies and Eddie's connections in the country deepen, providing the backdrop for the cultural, political and personal struggles that unfold.

The novel shines a light on a relatively unknown part of Vietnam War history as elements of Asian history and culture, including the introduction of 'miracle rice', are woven into the challenges of being a civilian trying to work—and live—in a war zone.

The Foreword by his daughter, an Afterword by his second wife, the Appendix, and 25 hand painted illustrations by his granddaughter provide added poignant layers to the story. 'The fragility of life was the late author's parting lesson; however, these words left behind were his ultimate gift.'

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022, 2023 Patricia Rykiel (P)2025 Patricia Rykiel

An agriculturist who took on war torn Vietnam, by trying to sustain its people with life-giving rice.

Don’t Break My Rice Bowl is a wonderful historical narrative where the reader becomes immersed in a war torn country and the struggles of those trying to sustain life, “don’t deny me my rice” or my right to live! After reading this book, I feel as though I have been to Saigon during the Vietnam war and have personally felt the struggles, the way that it was to live a life as an agriculturist, where one started out with altruistic intentions, and courageous, hard one efforts that were met by the brutality of war. The author shows captivating character development that draws you in supporting a fast moving and intriguing storyline. This book is a valuable, instructive must-read as for how we use our nations resources to help other countries today.