Viet Thanh Nguyen

"The power of storytelling is to save us.... and to destroy us." Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Viet Thanh Nguyen, is deeply shaped by his identity as a refugee. Viet describes his upbringing, one without many books, one that dealt with violence and isolation, and one that made him incredibly interested in the Vietnam War. The two bond over the shared burdens that family takes on to start a new life and Viet talks about what it was like winning the most prestigious prize in literature for his debut novel, and how he was propelled from a professor to a public figure. Viet also speaks to the importance of sharing and uplifting refugee stories amidst the digital and political dangers facing today's society. Viet’s latest book, “To Save and to Destroy”, an exploration of otherness and a call for political solidarity, is available now wherever you get your books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices