“An Emissary from Heaven: Remembering Phi Nhung” was edited by Metro Writers’ team of talented international writers. It has been a profoundly moving experience for all of us who worked on the book, an experience that has taught us much about Vietnam, its music, and the kindhearted nature of our Vietnamese idol Phi Nhung.
Lead editor Sakshi Shioramwar guided the manuscript from the early drafts through to the published work. As a talented singer herself, she was particularly affected by Phi Nhung’s story. She writes:
“The first time I was approached by Michael to edit ‘An Emissary from Heaven’, I couldn’t really wrap my head around the fact that he was so moved by a celebrity that he chose to write a book about her. After reading the first chapter, I understood. I saw how one person’s influence can reach such a magnitude, as Phi Nhung connected with people oceans apart through her kindness, strength, and music. It is this connection that reminds me of how we all share the same world, the same language of love and passion.
“You know that someone is extraordinary when their afterglow continues to guide you to play your own part in helping others. Through her melancholic voice, I hear her anguish and that of every separated mother and child. Such is the power of her voice and story. A story of a woman who cared. A story that needs to be written and heard.
“I’m glad to be part of the team that committed Phi Nhung’s story to the page.”
Now one of Phi Nhung’s international admirers, Sakshi Shioramwar is the author of “Red Peacock”—a vibrant, passionate novel set in Bengal, India. She was recently editor of the inspirational business memoir and leadership guide “How to Thrive as a Misfit” by Intergenerational Leadership Coach Fyiona Yong, which will be released with Metro Writers next month.