Duong Thu Huong has seen many of her novels banned in her native Vietnam, and a look at her work reveals some of the tensions that Vietnamese society is experiencing. Published in 1987 following the previous year’s policy of Doi Moi (Renovation), Beyond Illusions seeks to expose the fallacies of the government system in Vietnam through the prism of a broken marriage. Linh is committed to the ideals she was taught as a young cadre and can no longer love her husband, Nguyen, a talented journalist who has compromised his youthful idealism to provide for his family. She is quickly seduced by a prominent musician who is seeking to recover the favor of the communist party. The manipulations of the musician, as well as other sub plots show a system weighted by corrupted and greased by personal friendship. Personal bonds developed during the American war are stronger than the rule of law, and the ideals of the revolution are given a pass as individuals accumulate fame and power.

A dash of Anna Karenina and a sprinkle of Madame Bovary set against a changing Vietnam and Linh takes life. Like many young cadres she is given an idealistic vision for the functioning of society. Living a sheltered life, she has not had to compromise or sacrifice for her ideals. Although her affair causes a titter, she does not self destruct, and Duong Thu Huong celebrates the ability to never compromise. Linh never bends like her musician lover who will gladly fritter away ideals and morals for material comforts.

Linh’s narrow focus on ideals blinds her to the reality of her lover while her forsaken husband meanders through the novel. As a party hack he loses Linh’s love and respect as he writes articles in line with party doctrines. He gains back his love of truth by the end of the novel, and Duong Thu Huong delights in exposing corruption within the communist party while celebrating those who act according to conscience.

People who enjoy overly descriptive writing may enjoy the novel, however Beyond Illusions too often “feels like writing,” and too many windy metaphors and similes plague its pages. Although it is fairly engaging, the characters are for the most part unsympathetic. The novel’s strength however is showing the tensions of a society that is controlled and bases its legitimacy on a certain set of values dealing with issues of corruption and personal compromise. Although over twenty years old, Beyond Illusions still has relevance as issues of corruption and the state’s commitment to its revolutionary ideals remain issues of discourse.

Duong Thu Huong’s novel is highly critical of the government and although she was once celebrated by the government, she quickly fell from grace. From afar, Vietnam is often viewed through the lens of economic opportunity, with state control of society left mentioned. With several democracy activists sentenced to prison in January of this year, novels like Beyond Illusions reminds readers that there are several Vietnams – a mini economic tiger, an ever rising power in Southeast Asia, and a place where state repression, corruption, and daily cruelties play upon its population.

Originally published in my (old and suffering) blog:
http://poetsandpolicymakers.com/ ( )

This is a magical and heartbreaking book about the hypocrisy of society, within the microcosm of a relationship and from the perspective of a woman. ( )