The Lotus Eaters

Author: Tatjana Soli

I have a weakness for historical fiction. A novel that blends some agonizing period in history, which is typically associated with war, with an element of romance thrown in, seems the perfect formula for education and entertainment. The Invisible Bridge is a similar novel that was set in Hungary during WW2, that I loved as well.

In her debut novel, Tatjana jumps in with both feet into war torn Vietnam and chronicles the events that unfold through the eyes of the photo-journalists Helen, Darrow and Linh who are each very different, but come together in their passion to tell the story of the Vietnam War through their camera lens. The narrative is very authentic and you will get an appreciation for the carnage and brutality that must have been prevalent during the Vietnam War. The prose is excellent and the descriptions are vivid and bring to life Vietnamese culture as well as the ravages of war. Tatjana explores what drives journalists to risk their lives to chronicle war stories. There is always the recognition and awards that they chase after, but deep down there is an addiction that can't be shaken off. One of the sub-themes that emerge is how a woman photographer was rather unwelcome during war-time and had to blend in with the men. Since the story is told in flashback the element of surprise is missing many of the events are rather predictable. Nevertheless Tatjana weaves a compelling tale that you will find yourself eagerly turning the pages to uncover. 

The book is very authentic with numerous Vietnamese phrases thrown in, and I got the feeling that it was written by someone who was present and knew the culture and landscape intimately. However both the first and last name of the author seemed somehow out of place in this novel. Only on finishing the book and reading one of her interviews did I learn that Tatjiana was born in Austria picked up some of her knowledge of Vietnam from Little Saigon in Orange County, CA.