A MISSION – Children in the crossfire!

Welcome to literature with a cause. The Saigon Song novel.

  • This digital book is published in serial form and is available for free reading.  It is an interactive narrative because digital literature innovations allow for reader feedback, commentary, peer review, reaction, and criticism. It contains fragments of images* taken by many soldiers during their tours in Vietnam half a century ago. With the magic of AI, some are animated. Additionally, it features authentic sounds of Vietnam scenarios from the conflict. 
  • * See ABOUT button for disclosure on images.
  • Vietnam is no longer at war; it is a country. In 2025, fifty years have passed since the infamous conflict ended. More than half of the world’s population now alive was not even born during the war. The new generations need to learn the story of what happened. They should understand how the brutal conflict still touches our lives today. 
  • It is also literature with a purpose. Saigon Song is a universal novel about the inner psychic wars faced by all soldiers. They silently and perplexingly suffer by having lived with the constant threat of death on the battlefield.  Or having to endure injury and survivor’s guilt. Or having to kill. The grim legacies of every war on every soldier’s soul. 
  • I must honestly point out that I did not write this novel for the veterans of the Vietnam War. The warriors on all sides, that is. They know the story too well. I write for the new generations. They may someday forget the sacrifices that freedom and peace require. Brave men and women who are willing to die or be maimed for its defense. Some answer the call of duty. Others fight for a patriotic cause. Still others, like some of the novel’s characters, are reluctant warriors.
  • I only ask my readers to express appreciation for the thousands of soldiers killed or maimed in the battle. Again, the soldiers on all sides of the brutal Vietnam conflict. Beyond them, I especially extend my heartfelt gratitude to the numerous Latinos who participated in the surreal strife. These brave men and women of Hispanic descent are an almost invisible legion in mainstream American literature. They spilled blood or paid the ultimate sacrifice out of a sense of duty and indebtedness to their host country.
  • But soldiers are not the only ones touched by war. The most innocent of all victims —children— are always caught in the crossfire. Physically or wounded in their psyche forever. I include a list of non-profit organizations for orphaned Vietnamese children.
  • If you enjoyed this creative work of literature, be kind. Donate a little of your good fortune to the homeless children, men, or women of our world.  Visit a non-governmental organization of your choice and make a donation. 

Thank you, Rafael Matos                                                     

P.S.: Many people are doing good. If you know of a genuine organization not listed on the saigonsong.com website for orphaned Vietnamese children, please message pennylit.org@gmail.com. I will respond quickly and add it to our list.

BE KIND.  DONATE

“It is estimated that there are over one million orphans in Vietnam. These children are taken in and cared for at orphanages, Buddhist temples, or other religious groups throughout the country. Despite the economic growth in Vietnam, one in five families still lives in poverty. There remains great disparity between the rich and the poor.”   

SOME ORGANIZATIONS YOU MAY CONSDIDER…