A welcome addition to historical fiction collections on the Viet Nam war. Much more literary than Kristin Hannah’s The Women, it will surely appeal to those readers as well. At its heart the novel is about espionage. Amelie is a French journalist who is a spy working for the North Vietnamese. It’s not all cloak and dagger as romance is woven thru as Amelie is involved with two men in her life, Magnus and Tom. Carefully researched, recommended for all public libraries.

This novel was captivating from the very first page and really takes the reader on a journey to Vietnam. I felt as though I was right there living the story. The way the novel is written enables it to be both a spy thriller, a piece of historical fiction, and a romance all in one. The underlying messages and questions around the price we pay to discover the truth as well as the impact that war has on all facets of our lives, are so seamlessly entwined in the narrative.

Set in 1964 Saigon as tensions in Vietnam begin to intensify, Of Rice, Love and War by Elana Sabharwal blends romance, espionage and history into a fast-moving and compelling novel. The story unfolds in a city layered with political intrigue, where the remnants of French colonial influence collide with the rising conflict that will soon define the Vietnam War.

Sabharwal crafts a narrative that moves quickly but never loses its sense of place. Saigon is not simply a setting — it becomes a living, shifting backdrop where loyalties are uncertain and danger often hides in plain sight. The spy-thriller elements give the novel a strong sense of momentum, while the personal relationships at the center of the story add emotional depth.

What makes the book particularly engaging is how it balances suspense with the human realities of a country on the brink of deeper conflict. Love, loyalty and survival are all tested as characters navigate a world where politics and personal lives constantly intersect.

I found the novel difficult to put down. As a journalist, stories that explore the human side of history always hold a particular appeal. Over the past year I’ve also found myself learning more about Vietnam, which made the historical backdrop of this novel even more fascinating.