Inside Out And Back Again

The ship travels down a river toward the sea. Conditions are difficult as they try to escape undetected; no lights or cooking means that initially refugees must rely on the food stashes they brought with them. Once Hà’s moldy rice from home is gone, she notices the good smells of sardines and sesame of the family near them, but Mother will not allow her to ask to share. When Hà must use the bathroom, she sees the bright, clean facilities of the captain’s cabin.

Once the vessel is at sea and heading toward Thailand, refugees get three servings of cooked rice and a cup of water each day. The captain says rescuers are looking for them. Brother Quang tutors younger students after the first week, and Brother Vũ, inspired by his love of Bruce Lee, teaches them kicks and punches. Hà takes their instruction but dreams of tasty food and simple pleasures she misses like napping and wearing “clean nightclothes / smelling of the sun” (82).

There are no bathrooms; refugees must relieve themselves behind a sheet off the side of the boat. There are no showers; even taking that into account, however, a terrible stink begins to emanate from Brother Khôi.