Wayne Karlin Boeken

"In the summer of 1993 I began a self-imposed journey into the blurred space between memory, story, and reality when I rented a car from Warsaw Avis and drove to the village in Poland in which my mother had lived before immigrating to the United States." So begins Wayne Karlin's Rumors and Stones, the haunting narrative of a writer's journey into his family's past in the small Polish town of Kolno whose 2,000 Jewish inhabitants were machinegunned in ditches in 1941. Karlin explores the tension in the role of the storyteller as a witness and keeper but also as shaper; it is a journey in space that becomes a journey into the past and into the truth that can only be found in the imagination; it is a journey into Karlin's own origins as a veteran of the Vietnam war and as a writer compelled in his work to always come back to that conflict.

The narrative follows Kiet Hallam, an adopted daughter of African American and Vietnamese heritage, as she embarks on a quest for her true identity. Set against the backdrop of America and Vietnam, the story is told through the perspectives of those impacted by the war, revealing the profound and lasting effects on soldiers, their families, and the children born amidst the conflict. Through this exploration, the novel delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the enduring scars of war.

The narrative explores the tension between power and vulnerability, symbolized by the metaphor of a wolf that cannot be held or released. It delves into themes of conflict, choice, and the precarious nature of authority. The characters grapple with their inability to control their circumstances, reflecting on the consequences of their decisions in a world filled with uncertainty and danger. The story invites readers to contemplate the complexities of freedom and the burdens of responsibility.

The memoir intricately weaves Wayne Karlin's experiences as he returns to Vietnam to work on the film "Song of the Stork." Through his interactions with former adversaries and the contrasting perspectives of different generations, he navigates the complex interplay of memory and reality. The narrative humorously highlights ironies, such as the absurdity of casting choices, while probing deeper themes of sacrifice and identity. Karlin's reflective journey captures the essence of bridging past and present, making it a compelling exploration of cultural and personal reconciliation.

The Vietnam conflict has profoundly influenced American culture and politics, reshaping contemporary political science and foreign policy. Its legacy is reflected in numerous award-winning films and literature, serving as a lens through which to examine both the twentieth century and ongoing conflicts in the twenty-first century. This exploration highlights the war's enduring impact on society and its relevance to current global issues.