Family first is a primary principle in Le Ly's culture. In this chapter, the reader is further acquainted with Sau Ban, who is seemingly Le Ly's favorite sibling. When talking of her love for Ahn, Le Ly describes her love for Sau Ban. "It reminds me of the first time I realized such a special relationship, such wholesome love, was possible between men and women--between a sister and a brother..." The respect and love the two had for each other displays their close connection as siblings. Although the two were siblings, this "wholesome love" was not limited just to brother and sister. Le Ly also uses this love to describe her affection for the Anh she meets after returning to Vietnam. Her "sibling love" is extremely similar to the Greek's agape love. This love displays tremendous respect and willingness to do anything for the other.
Throughout her story, but especially in this chapter, Le Ly shows vast motivation. As an adult, she is determined to find Anh when she returns home after a long journey. When she was younger, she was fixated on seeing her brother again after he was drafted to the Republican Army. She also shows great determination in helping her father and Ba Xuan, her sister, after they are taken into custody for associating with Chin. Also, young Le Ly's soon-to-be-son shows a great will to live and to survive, a trait he has in common with his mother.
The story of Sau Ban and his connection and devotion to his family reminds me of the song "Coming Home" by John Legend.
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