Jasmine in the Wind is drawn from the childhood memories of Linda West, known as Oanh in Vietnam. This poignant memoir unfolds in a series of vivid vignettes told through the eyes of a little girl navigating love, loss, and the echoes of war.

Abandoned by both her father and mother, young Oanh finds solace in the unwavering love of her paternal grandmother, Ba Noi, who raises her in a small village while her mother works as a bargirl in Saigon. Juxtaposed against the horrors of war unfolding in her own backyard, Ba Noi is her refuge—her calm in the storm. She guides Oanh through temple visits, daily prayers, and the traditions of their ancestors—offering comfort in a life filled with longing.

Yet despite the ache of missing her mother, and the unspoken fear that lurks in every shadow, childhood still holds small joys: jumping rope with friends, playing pickup sticks, and cherishing rare treasures from her mother’s visits—an American doll with yellow hair, gum, and pretty dresses. Even as she clings to moments of laughter, she cannot escape the quiet dread that each day might bring danger. The market and rice fields where she once roamed freely become dangerous battlegrounds. The Viet Cong are no longer just whispers in the night but a looming presence that will change everything.

When American GIs arrive, they bring both hope and heartbreak—a reminder that even in the darkest times, kindness can shine through.

For those who have searched for belonging, carried the weight of the past, or know that war is never truly over—this story is for you. And for anyone shaped by the love and wisdom of a grandmother, this story will resonate even more.