In this remarkable book, the author collects the oral histories of Vietnamese women who lived through the war, taking refuge in the hills, smuggling weapons and mourning the dead. A 25-year resident of the country, Borton lived in three villages at the heart of the war. The women she interviews convey their essential spirit as well the tenacity, courage and resilience it took to survive that era in Vietnamese history.  (VNM17, $15.00)