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4.35 AVERAGE
4.35 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
sad
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Another great book club pick!
I generally avoid historical fiction but went ahead and read this one anyway. Compelling characters and lots of action made this a quick read.
I generally avoid historical fiction but went ahead and read this one anyway. Compelling characters and lots of action made this a quick read.
The decades of colonization and war that devastated Vietnam in the 20th century is explored through the exquisite writing of Nguyen Phan Que Mai -- her first novel to be written in English. The country's history is seen through the lens of a family, particularly the story of a grandmother and her granddaughter. Heartbreaking tragedy and violence are portrayed, as well as deeply profound and beautiful family love and devotion. Having recently traveled to Vietnam, this book resonated very deeply for me.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book made me cry. I miss my grandma ;-;
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Already miss the characters. Such a strong family story but you ‘ll learn so much about the history of Vietnam! Highly highly recommended ✨
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Dak supremacy
This book was emotional, riveting, and spellbinding. I am very close with my grandmother, so I was able to relate to the main protagonists (grandmother and granddaughter). I haven't been to Vietnam since I was 1 year old, and my family does not talk about the war or what they experienced at all. This book gave me a more intimate look at what went on during that time in a way I never knew. I appreciated being able to learn all of the different Vietnamese proverbs! The ending was sad and sweet, leaving me feeling a sense of hope and duty to stay true to my roots and continue my family's legacy. I have too many feelings about this book to put into words. If you are a Vietnamese American, I beg you to read this book and get in touch with your history.