See the world differently and discover the profound beauty hidden within the simplest moments of a Vietnamese childhood.
“Open the Window, Eyes Closed,” by Nguyen Ngoc Thuan, is a gentle and introspective novel for young adult readers that unfolds in a small Vietnamese village. The story is narrated by a young boy who, after a neighborhood girl loses her sight, decides to experience the world as she does—with his eyes closed. Through his heightened senses of touch, smell, and hearing, he discovers a newfound appreciation for the simple beauties of his rural home. We follow him as he learns to identify flowers by their scent, recognize neighbors by their footsteps, and truly listen to the sounds of nature. This sensory journey deepens his friendship with the girl and reveals a rich, unseen world that surrounds them every day.
The educational value of this book lies in its quiet, authentic portrayal of Vietnamese village life and its underlying Buddhist sensibilities. The narrative is steeped in the rhythms and traditions of rural Vietnam, from the descriptions of the garden and the food to the strong sense of community. The story explores themes of empathy, mindfulness, and finding joy in the present moment, which are universal but presented through a distinctly Vietnamese cultural lens. For students from a Vietnamese background, the familiar sights, sounds, and smells described can be a powerful affirmation of their own heritage. The boy’s journey of sensory awareness can also provide a unique entry point for discussions on perspective-taking and appreciating the diverse ways people experience the world.
Nguyen Ngoc Thuan is a prominent contemporary Vietnamese author whose works often explore the inner lives of young people against the backdrop of their natural and social environments. His deep connection to the Vietnamese countryside imbues his writing with a palpable sense of place and authenticity. Originally written in Vietnamese, “Open the Window, Eyes Closed” has been translated from Vietnamese to English, making this poignant story accessible to a wider audience. The book has been recognized for its literary merit, resonating with readers both in Vietnam and internationally. For educators, this novel offers a beautiful and accessible way to introduce students to Vietnamese culture and to foster discussions about empathy and perception. It serves as a quiet reminder that understanding another’s world sometimes requires us to close our eyes to our own, a lesson profoundly relevant in today’s conversations about equity and diverse perspectives.
