Carol Howland's book, Dragons on the Roof, describing her one year experience of Vietnam, is as new and up to date as the New Year. The book has just appeared on the bookshelves and is available at the The Gioi bookshop, 46 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hanoi, as well as selected outlets, with the price VND 160,000/copy.

Carol Howland is an experienced travel writer, something that is clearly apparent in the quality of the writing. The scenes that she presents of comtemporary Vietnam are lucid and backed up with well researched information, both historical and social, to help the reader fully understand the cultural significance of the details that she skillfully weaves into the fabric of the written text.

For Carol, one year was long enough to provide plenty of opportunities for questions and personal reflections that added value to her day to day experience of Vietnam. It involved meeting some of the outstanding people of contemporary Vietnamese society. For the overseas visitor planning a trip, reading Carol's book will enhance the value of a more limited stay. The local reader will gain a vital insight into the reactions of a cultured writer to the current realities of a vibrant, buoyant and vigorous people stepping confidently into the global arena.

Her point of view is personal, in the very best sense. Your own individual experience will be enriched by the reflections from the eye of an experienced and sensitive observer.

Written by Almos Maksay