Onh and The Secret War: A Biography of Survival during the Communist Expansion into Laos

Onh & The Secret War is the gripping story of a peasant girl who was born in Laos at the beginning of the communist invasion of Southeast Asia. Her childhood and formative years were filled with life and death struggles to survive the conflict that was threatening her family. As the Communists conquered more and more of her homeland, Onh’s family moved to avoid the invaders. Finally they escaped to a refugee camp in Thailand and ultimately immigrated to the United States where they had to learn a new culture, language and customs. Onh’s biography continues through her tribulations in the United States until finally she was able to return to her native land and the town where she was born. During that trip she was able to thank the people who had helped her to safety and to see the friends of her childhood. As Onh’s husband, author Dean Bithell, brings a unique insight to the story through countless hours of listening to Onh and other Asian refugees relive their trials and tribulations while escaping from the Communist invaders. Finally the author discusses the political consequences of the Communist invasion of Southeast Asia and the probable future of Laos. Endorsement “Author Bithell relates a true story of a survivor from Laos. Her life in Laos before and during the Vietnam U.N. 'peace keeping' war. Her escaping death by crossing the Mekong River at night in a small boat with her mother and child, her life as a U.S. refugee, and her return visit to Laos 30 years later as Mrs. Bithell. Mr. Bithell was raised as a Communist in Salt Lake City. He has spent his lifetime evaluating two political systems, and gives a sincere reason of his love for America. A very informative read.” —Elsie Rowley Robinson, University of Utah, retired