To Save and to Destroy

In this poignant collection of essays, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen reflects on the themes of otherness and political solidarity through his personal lens as a child refugee from Vietnam. Originally delivered as the Norton Lectures, these thought-provoking pieces navigate the complexities of literary identity, exploring the challenges faced by "minor" writers and the responsibilities of authors in times of violence. Nguyen draws on the works of influential literary figures while weaving in his family's story of trauma, ultimately advocating for a more radical solidarity with those impacted by imperialism and conflict.