Broken glass Quote by Anne Fadiman
““You go from the north of Laos and then you go across the Mekong, and when the Pathet Lao soldiers fire, you do not think about your family, just yourself only. When you are on the other side, you will not be like what you were before ou get through the Mekong. On the other side you cannot say to your wife, I love you more than my life. She saw! You cannot say that anymore! And when you try to restick this thing together is is like putting glue on a broken glass.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Woman Who Fell From the Sky, 1995
War trauma shatters identity; returning home feels like piecing broken glass.
In simple terms: War changes you, making love and normal life hard to express.
Key Takeaway
Seek support, acknowledge loss, rebuild self.
Themes
war
trauma
identity
reconciliation
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- veterans returning home
- post‑conflict societies
- rehabilitation programs
Key Concepts
psychological injury
family dynamics
cultural displacement
Questions to Reflect On
- How can families support a traumatized loved one?
- What rituals help rebuild personal identity?
A Different Perspective
Healing is non‑linear and may never fully restore previous self.
