The Nguyen of Kim Bai (a village in the Red River delta in Vietnam) traces its ancestry back to at least the 15th century. The region is also considered to be the birthplace of the Vietnamese race (the epic revolt of the Trung sisters against the Chinese occupiers occurred here).

The Nguyen family chronicle since 1600, preserved through war and exile, was written (in Chinese script) by the author's grandfather. This document (kept in Nguyen's ancestors' altar) is quoted liberally. A clear and unique picture of Vietnamese personality and culture is provided.