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The Girl in the Picture

373 pages, 2001

biographies & memoirs

biographies & memoirs

997 books
history

history

999 books
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Description

On June 8, 1972, nine-year-old Kim Phuc, severely burned by napalm, ran from her blazing village in South Vietnam and into the eye of history. Her photograph-one of the most unforgettable images of the twentieth century-was seen around the world and helped turn public opinion against the Vietnam War. 

This book is the story of how that photograph came to be and the story of what happened to that girl after the camera shutter closed. Award-winning biographer Denise Chong's portrait of Kim Phuc-who eventually defected to Canada and is now a UNESCO spokesperson-is a rare look at the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese point-of-view and one of the only books to describe everyday life in the wake of this war and probe its lingering effects on all its participants.

The Power of a Single Image

Denise Chong's The Girl in the Picture explores the profound impact a single photograph can have. The iconic image of a young girl fleeing a napalm attack during the Vietnam War changed the world's perception of the conflict. It's a reminder of how powerful images can be in shaping public opinion.

The Human Side of War

Chong digs deep into the life of Kim Phuc, the girl in the picture, to show the human side of war. The book is a stark reminder that behind every news headline, there are real people with real stories. It encourages us to look beyond the surface and see the human cost of global conflicts.

Resilience and Survival

Kim Phuc's story is one of resilience and survival. Despite the physical and emotional scars from the war, she managed to build a new life for herself. The book inspires us to find strength in our struggles and to never give up, no matter how tough things get.

The Impact of War on Children

The Girl in the Picture is a stark reminder of how war affects children. Kim Phuc was just nine years old when her life was changed forever. The book encourages us to consider the long-term effects of war on the youngest members of society.

The Journey to Forgiveness

One of the most powerful aspects of Kim Phuc's story is her journey to forgiveness. Despite the pain and suffering she endured, she was able to forgive those responsible for her suffering. The book invites us to explore the power of forgiveness in our own lives.

Recommendations

1
Lisa Ling

Lisa Ling

journalistmedia personalityauthor

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