This event was presented in collaboration with the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, the Harvey Goldberg Center, and the International Division at UW-Madison, in addition to the Wisconsin Historical Society, as part of the “Waging Peace in Vietnam” program, which runs from April 1 – April, 22, 2024. Read more about the program and exhibits here.
Le Ly Hayslip joins Norm Stockwell in conversation regarding her memoir, When Heaven and Earth Changed Places, which inspired the Oliver Stone film, Heaven and Earth, the third film in his Vietnam trilogy. Havens Wright Center Steering Committee member, Julie Underwood, will provide the welcome.
Le Ly is an internationally known Vietnamese American author, philanthropist, peace activist, and speaker. She grew up in Central Vietnam during the American-Vietnam War.
Drawing from her painful but ultimately triumphant journey from her traumatic childhood in war-ravaged Vietnam to her new life in America, Le Ly authored two best-selling memoirs—When Heaven and Earth Changed Places and Child of War, Woman of Peace. Both books received rave reviews, including from The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Le Ly shares a unique perspective when it comes to the Vietnam War. Her memoirs have been published in 17 different languages and are used in many university courses exploring women in history, the American/Vietnam War, and peace and conflict studies. In 1993, the books were adapted into the movie, Heaven & Earth, directed by Oscar winning director Oliver Stone as the third of his trilogy of Vietnam films.
Le Ly arrived in the U.S. at age 20 in 1970 and became an American citizen. Her work as a humanitarian began after she returned to visit Vietnam in 1986. Shocked by witnessing the devastation, poverty, and illness left by the war, Le Ly was inspired to create two philanthropic organizations, the East Meets West Foundation and Global Village Foundation.