Hmong: An Interview with Author and Illustrator Vicky Lyfoung

Hmong: A Graphic History retraces the account of a vibrant Asian ethnic group, blending rich documentation and personal stories. Long oppressed, the Hmong struggle to preserve their traditions and way of life in a homeland torn by war and strife. Their history is closely linked to France, which colonized Indochina in 1893 and for whom the Hmong worked tirelessly, first as opium suppliers and then as soldiers. With great sensitivity and humor, author Vicky Lyfoung tells the story of these people through the lens of her own family.

Vicky joins us today to share why she chose to write this story as her debut, why the comic book format fits so perfectly, and the challenges she faced while crafting the story. Read on to discover early artwork and an exclusive peek at the finished book!

Why did you choose to write this memoir as your first book?

Because I am Hmong. In France, the Hmong culture is relatively unknown and I wanted to introduce Hmong history and culture to everyone.

Why did you choose the comic book format to tell your story?

I choose to write and draw a comic book because everyone can read it. It’s an accessible format.

How long did you take to create your comic?

It took me fifteen years between the idea, the realization and the publication of the book.

What difficulties did you encounter while writing?

The hardest part was finding historical sources because there are few written records about the Hmong. Moreover, it wasn’t easy to ask my mother to tell me her story.

What was your inspiration for the book?

My inspiration for the book was Fabien Toulme’s french comic L’Odyssée d’Hakim and
Marjane Sartrapi’s comic Persepolis. Graphically, manga is my main source of inspiration.

Early Art

During the drafting process, Vicky started with pencil sketches, then outlined each page, and filled in the illustrations. Take a look at the images below to see examples of each stage.

Sneak Peek

Get a taste of Vicky’s storytelling with this excerpt from the beginning of Hmong!

Praise for Hmong

“Provides a detailed, highly legible introduction to Hmong history, which should appeal to any young reader curious about Southeast Asian history, their own or otherwise.”—Booklist

“The book presents a great deal of information with clarity and enough detail to make the events feel real, making this an important contribution to our understanding of the Hmong people and how they contribute to and are a part of our societies. An accessible and illuminating history, deepened by personal connections.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Lyfoung draws upon her experience growing up in France as the daughter of Hmong refugees from Laos in this bittersweet graphic novel memoir.”—Publishers Weekly

“Lyfoung’s charming manga-style drawing is expressive, dramatic, and unique—a sure draw for middle grade readers who are receptive to manga facial expressions, action scenes, and storytelling methods. The many questions and themes of generational struggle, finding home, telling one’s story, and claiming identity will engage upper middle grade readers.”—School Library Journal

Connect with the Author

Vicky Lyfoung was born in Villeneuve-la-Garenne into a humble Hmong family. She spent her childhood there, surrounded by her parents, her brothers, and her sisters, some of whom became great artists. During her studies, she constantly drew and chose to move towards visual arts options. Vicky continued to develop her favorite graphic techniques and tried digital drawing while working in parallel. With her sisters and friends, she also communicated through manga by offering humorous stories in fanzines sold in various Parisian salons. Currently, she is developing workshops to teach children to draw.