“Slaves to the Generals” is a captivating and poignant love story set against the backdrop of the tumultuous final years of French colonial rule in Vietnam. The novel follows the journey of a British Foreign Legionnaire named Brian Miller, who arrives in the colony full of ambition and ready to fight for the French Foreign Legion.
However, as Miller’s tour of duty progresses, he observes the reality of the conflict in a different light. He witnesses brutal atrocities committed by both sides and becomes increasingly disillusioned with the French government’s colonial policies.
Then Miller meets a beautiful Vietnamese girl named Dai Long, and falls deeply in love with her, despite the many challenges and obstacles that stand in their way. Therefore, Miller and Dai Long dream of a future together away from Vietnam.
As the novel reaches its climax, Miller must make a tough decision: continue to fight for a cause he no longer believes in, or betray his fellow legionnaires and follow his heart. The ending is gut-wrenching and bittersweet, as Miller’s and Dai Long’s fate is sealed amid the chaos of the 1954 battle at Dien Bien Phu.