Visiting Vietnam for the first time in 1985, the author found a unique combination of ecological devastation and renewal. In 1985 and 1986 alone, students planted 52 million trees; farmers are returning to former free-fire zones; bomb craters are being replanted, or used to farm fish and replenish the country's poisoned food supply. April is known as the 'month of pure light' in Vietnam as it heralds the arrival of Spring. Likewise this is an encouraging book for all environmentalists.