The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures
by Anne Fadiman
Description
This powerful narrative plunges into the heart of a cultural collision when a Hmong refugee family's infant daughter, Lia Lee, begins to suffer from epilepsy. As Lia's condition escalates, the stark differences between traditional Hmong healing practices and Western medical approaches create a chasm of misunderstanding. The book masterfully explores the tragic consequences of this clash, revealing how miscommunication and differing worldviews can profoundly impact a child's life and a family's struggle for survival. Fadiman's deeply empathetic and meticulously researched account offers a profound look at the complexities of healthcare, immigration, and the human condition, presenting a story devoid of simple villains or heroes.
Available Editions
paperback
Noonday Press
Published Jan 1, 1998
341 pages
ISBN: 0374525641
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Details
First Published
1997
Language
eng
Content Warnings
Content and trigger warnings for The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures by Anne Fadiman.