In 1979 a young Laotian man left behind family, friends and possessions to embark on a dangerous journey for freedom. Twenty-five years later, overcoming painful memories of dark, uncertain roads and narrow paths, Sounthone Vattana relives his journey in this memoir. Responding to many years of questions posed by his children, friends and students, Vattana explains the decision he made to embark on his journey across a river of hope. Like the untold story of countless other refugees, Vattana captures the intense emotions and sheer determination which drive a person to flee all they know and cherish in hopes of a better life.