Don't Break My Rice Bowl is a Vietnam War fictional memoir at its centre, wrapped in meta-narrative layers, connecting the life and legacy of the late primary author to his protagonist, Eddie. 'A book within a book and the reader is invited in.'
Feeling life is slipping him by, an American agriculturalist heads to Vietnam to try and make a difference in the lives of the people as part of President Johnson's 'Hearts and Minds' campaign. There is just one big problem - there's a war going on.
Eddie joins a small group of civilian advisors chosen to work with local farmers to help make Vietnam once again self-sufficient in rice. He is drawn to the adventure, the challenge, and the opportunity to make a difference, but he is leaving some problems behind.
His story follows the ups and downs of cultural and tropical agriculture training in Washington DC and the Philippines, and then his assignment in the Gia Dinh province just outside Saigon. The stakes increase as the war intensifies and Eddie's connections in the country deepen, providing the backdrop for the cultural, political and personal struggles that unfold.
The novel shines a light on a relatively unknown part of Vietnam War history as elements of Asian history and culture, including the introduction of 'miracle rice', are woven into the challenges of being a civilian trying to work - and live - in a war zone.
The Foreword by his daughter, an Afterword by his second wife, the Appendix, and 25 hand painted illustrations by his granddaughter provide added poignant layers to the story. 'The fragility of life was the late author's parting lesson; however, these words left behind were his ultimate gift.'
All-Colour, Hard Cover Edition
Robert's early years were spent as a Geordie in South Shields, England, living in poverty on a working class street. World War II broke out when he was three - making him witness to the forceful German bombing campaign overhead. At nine he emigrated to America with his mother. After high school, Robert signed up for three years in the US Navy, closely followed by Cornell University to join the undergraduate 'Aggies' studying Biological & Agricultural Science. After graduation he began his career as a County Agricultural Agent in Upstate New York. From 1966 to 1987, he worked as an International Agricultural Advisor and Consultant. He received the USAID's Meritorious Honour Award for outstanding contributions to the Accelerated Rice Production Programme and the USA Medal of Civilian Service in Vietnam. In 1987, he died unexpectedly in New York City.
There are three Don't Break My Rice Bowl collaborators. With Patricia and Justine Rykiel in the UK and Beth Jackson in the USA, they worked together across the miles - and time zones - to bring this 'forgotten' manuscript to life.
