Núi (Mountain), a boy whose very name symbolizes the rough and tumultuous path he must tread. This name is used to reflect the hardships and obstacles that Núi would face throughout his life. Much like a mountain weathering the storms, Núi endures relentless challenges, shaped by the harsh realities of his existence.... more>>

The story centers on Núi and the people who orbit around him, from family members to those whose lives intersect with his in small but meaningful ways. Each character contributes to the unfolding of Núi’s journey, as he navigates the pressures of family expectations, social status, and personal growth. The title itself, Waves at the Riverbed, serves as a metaphor for the undercurrents of struggles that lie beneath the surface of seemingly calm lives—those subtle forces that influence not only Núi’s family but many Vietnamese families.

As Núi grows, the question lingers: What kind of person will he become? Will he rise above the trials like the unshakable mountain he is named after, or will the hidden waves beneath finally wear him down? The novel offers a deep, moving reflection on resilience, familial bonds, and the unseen forces that shape a person’s destiny. <<less