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A character in The Sorrow of War

Hòa

A woman soldier who saves wounded men by drawing enemy forces away and is assaulted and killed.

What they want

To lead the wounded men to safety and draw pursuit away from them.

The book

Cover of The Sorrow of War by Bảo Ninh
The Sorrow of WarBảo Ninh, 1990

A North Vietnamese veteran tries to write a life that memory will not let him arrange in order.

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At a glance

Role
North Vietnamese soldier and guide
Connection
Kiên's wartime memory
Outcome
Killed during pursuit

Who they are in the book

Spoiler-free

Hòa is a guide and fighter whose knowledge allows wounded soldiers a chance to escape.

Her courage should be stated directly without turning the sexual violence done to her into spectacle or a noble reward.

How the book draws them

Appearance, manner, and tone — as the book sketches them, in our words.

  • GuideShe knows the route and accepts responsibility for others.
  • DecisiveHer diversion is an active tactical choice.
  • Courage under pursuitShe continues despite understanding the danger.
  • Remembered by KiênHis survival keeps her action present.
What happens to HòaHow the book leaves them, what happened after, and what the record says. Open when you're ready.

Hòa draws commandos and dogs away from the wounded group. She is assaulted and killed, while the men she diverted pursuit from escape.

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