Leaving behind the fast-paced world of Wall Street for the intricate verses of Vietnamese literature, Dr. Jaipal K. Tuttle, a physicist and lecturer at the University of California, embarked on a journey that led him to an unexpected passion—Truyen Kieu (The Tale of Kieu). This iconic poem, deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Vietnam, captivated Tuttle in ways he had not expected. In an interview, he shares his deep connection to Vietnamese literature and the powerful ways in which passion has shaped his life. The Saigon Times: Could you share more about how you discovered Truyen Kieu after living and working in Vietnam for a while? Dr. Jaipal K. Tuttle: Before diving in, I want to express my deep gratitude to the people of Vietnam for making my life here so fulfilling. It is hard to believe it has been 26 years already! My journey with Vietnamese began in 1998. I’d heard of Truyen Kieu, but did not fully grasp its significance or the challenge it posed. Years later, I came across a copy of the book and thought, “Well, here’s that famous poem.” I felt confident in my Vietnamese, having lived in the countryside where I spoke it […]