Minnesota Arrival

New memoir tells Hmong story

by Cathy Wurzer, Minnesota Public Radio

A new book tells the story of one family's life in Minnesota after a harrowing escape from Laos. Hmong author Kao Kalia Yang has written a memoir called "The Latehomecomer."

Yang, who was born in a refugee camp in Thailand and has a graduate degree from Columbia University, tells the story of her family -- and the story of her own experience navigating a new home.

Yang's parents lived in Laos in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. It was a dangerous time for Hmong families, as the government punished the Hmong for working with Americans during the war.

She spoke with MPR's Cathy Wurzer.

Broadcast Dates

• Morning Edition, 05/07/2008, 6:50 a.m.