"A group of expatriate women experience life in post-war Vietnam and become involved in the lives of women and children of Vietnam, who are threatened by the callous indifference of the political regime.
The Hanoi Women's Club arose from the desire of hundreds of women from many countries for a haven of friendship in a foreign city. This small group of caring individuals will single-handedly set out to affect change in a country still ravaged by the injustices of poverty, the exploitation of women and children and the lingering effects of war."
"Each year, thousands of Vietnamese girls are sold into slave labor, only to become prostitutes."
Author Leonie J .Campbell brings these disturbing facts into vivid focus, guiding her readers into the Vietnamese plight. This poignant story offers hope for the victims, through the caring concern of a select group of individuals.
This compelling novel may shock some readers with its accounts of injustice and its political ineptness to improve the conditions of its people."
Excerpt
“Madame! Did you receive our message yesterday?” she cried.
With a feeling of foreboding, Renee told her that she received no message. Frantically she asked her what was wrong.
“I am sorry, Madame Renee! But the baby you wanted is gone. Two foreigners collected her on Thursday; only Ma-dame Binh knows who they are.”
Renee reeled with the shock of finding out that not only had other foreigners taken her "baby," but that she would never see her again. Tears ran down her cheeks as she desperately searched her pocket for a handkerchief."
Professional Reviews
The practices of trafficking...
"I found that this novel gave me a poignant insight into the social structure of the people of Vietnam. The practices of trafficking young people and the selling of their babies, the future generations, was horrifying, in this never-ending circle of corruption. The efforts of worldwide organizations must continue to annul these horrendous acts, to protect the young people of Vietnam. Compelling reading."
Gabrielle Hogan
The truth of this powerful story...
"This novel convincingly portrays the cruel dilemma's afflicting the young people in Vietnam today. The truth of this powerful story reminded me of why I have chosen to work in the Rehabilitation Center for young men."
Father Charles Roback. Hanoi, Vietnam
We are unaware of these problems...
"This novel opens your eyes to a world of corruption that we are unaware of in western society. It's frightening portrayal of greed and corruption of minors into prostitution or hard labor, the calculated marketing of their babies to foreigner's, is heartbreaking. A learning experience beautifully portrayed by the author."
Monica Holt
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Reviews for "The Baby Merchants"
Reviewed by Jen Oliver
2/18/2002
The Baby Merchants by Leonie Campbell
American Book Classics-2001
1930586337-e-book
Fiction-Vietnamese
Reviewed by Jen Oliver, MyShelf.com
Buy a copy
This is a touching story about the adoption and orphanages of Vietnamese children. This book contains the hardship of American women who try to help Vietnamese orphanages and villages and try to help stop the selling of children on the Black Market. It shows the importance that Vietnam has on male children and the country's political issues, i.e. the importance of money. It shows how poorly the children are kept in the orphanages and what adoptive parents have to go through in order to adopt children.
Ms. Campbell does a tremendous job in balancing the issues of Vietnam. She creates emotion for the reader through the experiences of the American women in the orphanages. The book is well written and is appreciated by the reader. The reader will not be confused by the politics of Vietnam. The plotline is well put together and moves throughout the story. The character development is good.
If you enjoy reading about Vietnam or international adoptions, pick up a copy of this book. It shows what could possibly happen over in Vietnam and what could happen on the Black Market with Vietnamese children.
Reviewed by Jenny Ferguson
1/27/2002
Excellent book! Couldn't put the book down. The story drew me through Thi Kim's tortuous life and wonderful loves.Wonderful Story of love and hope for the future.
December 2001.
In a post-coup America, an Illinois farm boy is drawn into the resistance by his brother's death. Captured, he is given a choice: betray his friends, or the girl he loves will be lobotomized.
