This is a book review of the newly published novel "Things we lost to the water" by Eric Nguyen.
The book is in Obama's reading list this summer.
You will really like the book if you are interested in such novels as "The sympathizer" or "The refugees" by Viet Thanh Nguyen or"Night sky with exit wounds" by Ocean Vuong, but overall, if you have ever thought about self-identity, cultural identity or your place in the world, this will interest you too.

Music by Nielizas from Pixabay

Things We Lost To The Water Review

Soundtrack EP’20: At The End Of The Dream 

Original version: 'At The End Of The Day', 'I Dreamed A Dream ' - Les Miserables Soundtrack 
Performed by: Ngô Bảo Ngọc, Nguyễn Minh Châu, Phan Nguyễn Hà Phương, Vũ Ngọc Quỳnh Anh, Triệu Hà My, Đào Hữu Hiếu, Nguyễn Hữu Tài
Rearranged by: Phan Thanh Thuỷ & Associates, Bùi Khoa Trung, Ngô Bảo Ngọc, Triệu Hà My
Rewritten lyrics by: Triệu Hà My, Ngô Bảo Ngọc
Recorded, mixed and mastered by: KZ Studio
Scene description: It’s just another day at Maine Town - the run-down neighborhood. As people sing about their boring daily deeds, Audrey reminisces about her past.

Lyrics:

PEOPLE:
At the end of the day you're another day older
And that's all you can say for the life of the poor
It's a struggle, it's a war
And there's nothing tomorrow can bring
One more day toiling away, what is it for?
One day less to be living

At the end of the day you're another day colder
And the shirt on your back doesn't keep out the chill
And the gilded hurry past
They don't hear the little ones crying
Blind your eyes, lower your voice, idle away
One day nearer to dying!

SIMONA:
At the end of the day, see the poor little florist?
Sitting flat on her bum, couldn’t buy any bread
BRIDGET:
With her shop taken away
And the flowers have yet to be sold
She's still lucky to be in a house

SIMONA:
And in a bed

BRIDGET:
And she’s counting her blessings

BRIDGET:
Have you seen how the paperman’s fuming today?
With his terrible breath and his chattering teeth?

SIMONA:
It's because of the sales that just not go his way
Take a look at his stand and you'll see what I mean

BRIDGET:
And the food store over there
The place always seems...dead
If the lady doesn't look out
Watch how she goes

BRIDGET & SIMONA:
She'l l be out on the streets

PEOPLE:
At the end of the day it's another day over
With enough in your pocket to last for a week
Pay the landlord, pay the shop
Keep on working as long as you're able
There’s no resting till you drop
Or it's back to the crumbs on the table
You must throw your dreams away
At the end of the day!

SIMONA:
Haven’t I told you, I did not see your child
And how many times should I spell it out loud?

MRS. BAKERS:
Oh, dear sister, you must have heard some news
My child has gone missing
There's no time to lose!

AUDREY:
What is happening here?
Please give this lady here some air
And take a moment, hear her story
Mrs. Bakers, settle down
Take a deep breath and be at ease
She will be back all safe and sound

Person A: 
Where do you think all those missing people went?

Person B: 
Who knows? But obviously, it’s better for them to leave this neighborhood. No one can ever have a comfortable life here!

AUDREY:
I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high
And life worth living
I dreamed success would soar to sky
I dreamed that you were here beside me
But the storms ravage at night
With their clouds as dark as future
As they tear your hopes apart
As they turn your dream to shame

BRIDGET:
What a silly old woman
The child must be dead

PEOPLE:
There is nothing but trouble again and again 

SIMONA:
You must give up the chase

PEOPLE:
We've got to find a way

POLICE:
What is this fussing all about? 
(turns to Mrs. Baker)
You again? This time, no mercy for you. You will be punished!

MRS. BAKER:
No! No!... I’ve got to find my child!

SOUNDTRACK EP'20 'REVERIE THE MUSICAL': At The End Of The Dream

Soundtrack EP'20: Audrey Meets Henry

Original version: Lucy Meets Hyde - Jekyll and Hyde Soundtrack
Performed by: Nguyễn Hữu Tài, Phạm Minh Tâm
Rearranged by: Triệu Hà My, Đào Hoàng Hà
Rewritten lyrics by: Triệu Hà My
Recorded, mixed and mastered by: KZ Studio
Scene description: Henry alluringly persuades Audrey to seize her moment

Lyrics:
AUDREY: 
Then…What do you have to offer?

HENRY:
After tonight, my little friend
You are never to suffer
I am destined to be your guardian angel
Your guide to salvation
In this world of madness!

AUDREY: 
Do get straight to the point, Mr. Owens. (Audrey narrows her eyes)

HENRY:
(Laugh)... Very well…
A toast to the night
A toast to success
To those unafraid
Of taking a chance

AUDREY:
I must admit that I’m tempted to know
The ‘chances’ that you have in store

HENRY:
Why should you settle for less, dear
When there's more?
I am the man fate has decreed
Destined to free all those in need
I can give you everything you desire
And you, simply follow my lead!

AUDREY: 
Sounds like an odd bit of…business
Yes, indeed.

HENRY:
I am the man
Mark my words well
With whom you'll share
Heaven or hell!

AUDREY:
Heaven I fancy has no place for me,
And I’ve survived hell on my own!

HENRY:
But like it or not, you’ll never really know...
Take it or not, it all depends on you.

SOUNDTRACK EP'20 'REVERIE THE MUSICAL': Audrey Meets Henry

Soundtrack EP’20: Audrey

Original version: Gaston - Beauty and the Beast Soundtrack
Performed by: Nguyễn Phương Anh, Hoàng Phan Ngọc Anh, Ngô Bảo Ngọc, Triệu Hà My, Lê Gia Hân, Trần Dân Chí, Nguyễn Hữu Tài
Rearranged by: Phan Thanh Thuỷ & Associates, Bùi Khoa Trung
Rewritten lyrics by: Ngô Bảo Ngọc
Recorded, mixed and mastered by: KZ Studio
Scene description: Maids and customers welcome Audrey to her new tailor shop

Lyrics:

AUDREY:
E-Emily...I'm not ready yet. What if I screw up?
 
EMILY: 
It's gonna be alright. Keep calm and take a deep breath. You're Audrey.

EMILY:
Gosh, it disturbs me to see you, Audrey
Looking so down in the dumps
Everyone here loves to be you, Audrey!
Even designing ain’t fun

KATY:
The crowd fascinated by all of your arts
You’re everyone’s favorite gal
We all are inspired by the work of your life
And it’s not very hard to see why

EMILY & KATY:
Miniskirts are roomy
And fur coats are cooly
Everything we provide is top-notch, come and see!

KATY:
For the head of the store is her – Audrey!
 
SIDE MAIDS:
Perfect, a pure paragon!
 
EMILY:
You can buy LV, Gucci or Fendi
But I’ll tell you it’s best to be here with Audrey!

MAIDS:
Nowhere has all the bling
Serves you just like a king
Nowhere dresses you up like a queen, don’t you think?

SIDE MAID
As a tailoress, she is intimidating!

ALL:
My, what a girl, that Audrey!

MAIN MAIDS:
May I present to you
Best tailor of the town
I assure there is no one as talented as you!
 
AUDREY:
Me?
 
ALL:
YES!!!

CUSTOMER:
No one wears like Audrey
Skins a hare like Audrey

SIDE MAID:
In a sewing match, nobody threads like Audrey

EMILY:
She rejoiced in the spot of a tailor
And beasts of the field say a prayer

KATY:
And for those who despise the designer
She will stab from behind
`
EMILY:
Is that true?

KATY:
Got no clue.
 
ALL:
Ten points for Audrey!

AUDREY:
When I was a lass, I loved fabric and stitch
Every morning I sew and I knit
Now that I'm grown, life feels like a black pit
Is it all just a dream of a kid?
 
(INSTRU BREAK)

MAIDS:
Sweep the floors till they gleam,
Paint the walls till they beam
Dust the chandelier till the flecks are all clean
We use diamonds in all of our decorating

ALL:
Say it again
Who’s the best in the chain
Who's the super success?
Don't you know? Can't you guess?
Ask her fans and her five hangers-on
There's just one girl in town
Who's got all of it down...

KATY:
And her name's A-U-D-R-Y
I believe there's a missing E
It just occurred to me that I’m machinery
And I’ve never actually had to spell it out loud before…

ALL:
AUDREY!

SOUNDTRACK EP'20 'REVERIE THE MUSICAL': Audrey

Soundtrack EP’20: This Never Happened Before

Original version: This Never Happened Before - Bonnie and Clyde Soundtrack
Performed by: Phạm Trung Kiên, Vũ Ngọc Quỳnh Anh
Rearranged by: Triệu Hà My, Phạm Khánh Linh
Rewritten lyrics by: Ngô Bảo Ngọc
Recorded, mixed and mastered by: KZ Studio
Scene description: As Edward and Audrey take a walk down the streets of Reverie, they slowly, but surely, admit feelings for each other

Lyrics:
 
EDWARD:
Feels sorta clumsy, I guess I'm rusty
Ain't done this since God knows when
Longing for someone to listen
Can this be real... I'll wait 
 
AUDREY:
Can't count the hours living without love
Been so alone on my own 
Just walkin’ with you is perfect 
This can't be real, I'm afraid...
 
EDWARD:
I ain't been talking to someone so special
My heart soon knows where it will be calling “Home"
 
AUDREY:
Is this true? Or is it reverie?
Am I in the sky?
How strange a vibe that I fail to define
Think I'm in heaven
 
EDWARD:
Wherever you are
The stars on the sky is yours tonight
 
AUDREY:
I can’t hide, God knows I’m lost in those soft eyes
 
EDWARD & AUDREY:
This never happened before
This never happened before

SOUNDTRACK EP'20 'REVERIE THE MUSICAL': This Never Happened Before

Soundtrack EP’20: On My Own

Original Version: ‘On My Own’ – Les Misérables Soundtrack
 Performed by: Nguyễn Bảo Ngọc 
Rearranged by: Triệu Hà My 
Rewritten lyrics by: Triệu Hà My 
Recorded, mixed and mastered by: KZ Studio 
Scene description: Memories of her mother flooded back as Audrey laments her desperate plight. Letting out her endured agony, Audrey decides to leave her past behind, praying for her mother’s forgiveness.

Lyrics:

On my own
Wish you were here beside me
All alone
Your memories surround me
I remember the words that once were spoken
That when I lose my way, I close my eyes
“And you will find me.”

In my dreams, the chains were never binding
In a world where God would be forgiving
When day comes, our dreams weren’t used and wasted
And men were kind and hopes were high
Our promise everlasting…

But I know it's only in my mind
That I'll never find my place if I stay here
And although I must leave you behind
Still, I pray there’s a way for us…

I love you
But when the night is over
You were gone forever and forever
Without you
The world around me changes
The trees are bare and everywhere
The streets are full of strangers

I love you
But every day I’m learning
All my life
I've only been pretending
Without me
This world will go on turning
A world that's full of happiness
That I have never known

Forgive me,
I’ll have to say goodbye...

SOUNDTRACK EP'20 'REVERIE THE MUSICAL': On My Own

Soundtrack EP’20: A Story Told

Original version: ‘A Story Told’ – The Count of Monte Cristo Soundtrack Performed by: Ngô Bảo Ngọc, Nguyễn Minh Châu, Triệu Hà My, Nguyễn Hữu Tài, Phạm Minh Tâm  
Rearranged by: Phan Thanh Thủy & Associates, Bùi Khoa Trung, Triệu Hà My
Rewritten lyrics by: Ngô Bảo Ngọc, Triệu Hà My 
Recorded, mixed and mastered by:  KZ Studio, 198 Studio 
Scene description: As Edward and Audrey discover how Reverie actually operates, imprisoned citizens take down the city’s facade and reveal its underlying secrets. 

Lyrics:

PRISONER 1: 
In the dark of the night
There's a story in disguise
Hide behind the veil
A horror tale
We've been through hell of jail
 
PRISONER 2:
But when angels arrive we could magnify and thrive
We collaborate
And trust in fate
To guide us through the night
 
PRISONER 1:
Keeping all the details vague and secrets hidden
 
PRISONER 2:
Safe in the contract paper that we trust
 
PRISONER 1:
Because history is a story told by the liars of the night  
They imply a little
Falsify
Modify and kill a little later
 
PRISONER 2:
Who’s gonna question what goes on
in the middle of the night?
No one will
No one cares
Luxuriate in victory and rapture
 
PRISONER 1:
But when thunderstorms arrive
Something terrible inside
 
PRISONER 2:
We must all realize in endless cry
We were caught in our own lies
 
PRISONER 1:
Now is time to escape
Past is gone we must erase
We must leave as soon as daylight noon
Away from this haunting place!

MALE GUARD:
What a naive thing to believe!
I’m sure you’ll never flee from this secret isle and dungeon's keep
 
FEMALE GUARD:
Because Reverie’s a dynasty built on the souls of those who died
We supply a little lie
 
MALE GUARD:
To help the gullible to buy a little fable
What will become of the shameless fools who dared to break the laws?
The rich

FEMALE GUARD:
And well respected

MALE GUARD:
Are no better than a captive 

BOTH GUARDS:
At our mercy

PRISONER 1:
I'll seek comfort in the days of peace and placid
 
PRISONER 2:
I'll be forever trapped in my regret and fright
Every night
 
BOTH PRISONERS:
Praying my family won’t have to live in anguish
Oh, what a shame!
There’s no escape!
 
MALE GUARD:
Let them stay here and rot till they’re forgot
 
ALL GUARDS:
Let ‘em rot!
 
ALL:
Reverie’s a dynasty built on the blood of those who died
 
PRISONER 1:
We sign with our initials
 
PRISONER 2:
Then it’s settled, we are guaranteed the glory
 
ALL:
What is the point of a grandiose life if it ends in our demise?
 
PRISONER 1:
It’s a price we have to pay
 
PRISONER 2:
To live and fight another day for our ambitions
 
ALL:
We are waiting for the day of justice set on sail
Beware of Reverie
Learn from our story
Here ends the story!

SOUNDTRACK EP'20 'REVERIE THE MUSICAL': A Story Told

Soundtrack EP'20: Stay, I Pray You

Original version: ‘Stay, I Pray You’ – Anastasia Broadway Cast Recording Performed by: Nguyễn Hữu Tài, Phan Nguyễn Hà Phương, Triệu Hà My, Ngô Bảo Ngọc, Nguyễn Minh Châu, Đào Hữu Hiếu 
Rearranged by: Triệu Hà My 
 Rewritten lyrics by: Triệu Hà My 
Recorded, mixed and mastered by: KZ Studio 
Scene description: Haunted by his wrongdoings, Henry is torn between the past and the present. Eventually, Henry chooses redemption to protect his daughter.

Lyrics:

HENRY:
How can I desert you? 
How to tell you why?
Free me from their voices
God, I pray you!
Will I be forgiven
If I say goodbye?
To those I’ve wronged, who must live in misery
Tortured, seized and scarred
Gave you hope and change just to crush it all
I’ll beg forgiveness till I die
How to break the tie?

HENRY & EVERLY:
We have poured our hearts and shared our sorrows
Though the scars remain and tears will never dry

HENRY:
You’ll haunt my memories till I die

REGINA:
Turn your heart to stone

HENRY:
Never part our ways

REGINA:
You are all I know
You have raised me
(HENRY: I promised you )

EVERLY:
You can turn away

HENRY:
How to close the doors?

EVERLY:
How to do what you have never done before? 
(HENRY: How to do what I have never done before?)
 
PEOPLE:
How can you desert her?
Will you let her die?
Will you let your fears destroy her future?
Will you face your sins and make up for the past?

HENRY:
Ah…
Ah... 
(PEOPLE: Ah…)

Harsh and bitter, sins I could not erase
I’ll bless our daughter till I die...

SOUNDTRACK EP'20 'REVERIE THE MUSICAL': Tortured, Seized and Scarred

Soundtrack EP'20: I Know Those Eyes/This Man Is Dead

Original version: ‘I Know Those Eyes/This Man Is Dead’ – The Count of Monte Cristo Musical 
Performed by: Đào Hữu Hiếu, Triệu Hà My 
Rewritten lyrics by: Ngô Bảo Ngọc 
Recorded, mixed and mastered by: KZ Studio 
Scene description: As Edward struggles to erase memories of his somber past, Audrey promises him a bright future is ahead, only if he decides to return to Maine Town. 

Lyrics:

EDWARD:
I've spent my whole life hiding  
Now I feel it haunting
This can't be!
Keep this tragedy away from me...
 
I know those eyes, following me
Dark, cold, and hollow, they crushed all my dreams
I know this voice, grieving in fear
Wailing and howling behind all the cheers
 
AUDREY:
How can they torment their own loving blood?
You don’t know the pain you have caused
Return to our homeland, you will see the sun
A journey of love has begun
 
EDWARD:
Their son is dead, he is no more
Now stand the unchained reborn
No one knows the ache and sore that prison have caused
 
AUDREY:
The mind plays tricks
You are misled
The ashes burnt nothing left
Dead and cold 
A story told
The one they trusted, and loved the most
Abandoned them and moved on

AUDREY:
Your parents are waiting for you Edward. Please, come back to Maine Town with me. You can't run away like this anymore.

EDWARD:	
Where can I go, will I be damned?	      
I see no traces of home
AUDREY:
There in your heart
Traces of home

 
AUDREY:
Faint yet familiar, the sounds of your soul

EDWARD:
How could it be? My dreams are gone! 
And though it’s torturing me,
AUDREY:
I know those eyes
Torturing me

EDWARD & AUDREY:
We both know the cold truth has got be told
Under the moonlight, reclaim and regain 
We'll rise on our own blood and soul
The light shines upon us at last on this day
 
AUDREY:
Through so much broken
 
EDWARD:
And so much damage
 
EDWARD & AUDREY:
The sun will show
Our way home

SOUNDTRACK EP'20 'REVERIE THE MUSICAL': I Know Those Eyes/ This Man Is Dead

Soundtrack EP'20: Finale

Original version: ‘Epilogue’ – Les Misérables Soundtrack
 Performed by: Vũ Ngọc Quỳnh Anh, Nguyễn Hữu Tài, Triệu Hà My, Đào Hữu Hiếu, Ngô Bảo Ngọc, Bùi Phương Trà, Đào Trần Minh Anh, Nguyễn Minh Châu, Hoàng Phan Ngọc Anh, Nguyễn Phương Anh, Trần Khánh Linh, Nguyễn Vĩnh Xuân  
Rearranged by: Phan Thanh Thủy & Associates, Triệu Hà My 
Rewritten lyrics by: Ngô Bảo Ngọc 
Recorded, mixed and mastered by: KZ Studio, 198 Studio 
Scene description: Though devastated by the loss of her parents, Audrey found consolation in Edward's arms. Together with Maine Town citizens, they decided to leave the past behind and look forward to the future. 

Lyrics:

AUDREY:
On this day, I pray my last confession
I can feel your warmth, at last, beside me
Deep from within a voice that begs forgiveness
You sacrifice your life for me then how did I desert you..

HENRY:
Dear my love, now chains will never bind you
All your grief, at last, at last behind you

EVERLY:
Lord in heaven look down on her in mercy
Forgiving all your bygones, I say, move onto a new page

EDWARD:
Take my hand, I’ll lead you to salvation
We will stand, for love is everlasting

EDWARD, AUDREY:
And remember
The truth that once was spoken
Who walks towards the gleaming light can see the face of God

PEOPLE:
Do you hear the people sing
Lost in the serenade of night
It is the music of the people who are climbing to the light
For the sore is now bygone
Here comes a flame that never dies
Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise
We will live again in freedom in the garden of the Lord
We will march behind the glory
We will merge and thrive as one
The chain will be broken and all men will have their reward.

Will you join in our crusade? 
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Somewhere beyond the barricade is there a world you long to see?
Do you hear the people sing?
Say, do you hear the distant drums?
It is the future that we bring when tomorrow comes!
Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Somewhere beyond the barricade is there a world you long to see?
Do you hear the people sing?
Say, do you hear the distant drums?
It is the future that we bring when tomorrow comes...
Tomorrow comes!

Things We Lost To The Water Review

Do Quyen

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