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alainajreads's review
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
Wow, this was a very impactful graphic memoir about one family’s own history fleeing in the aftermath of the Vietnam War but also with the author’s relationship with her parents following her own experience with becoming a mother. Rendered in a simple color palette of red tones, Thi Bui’s art is evocative and the story carries over several beautifully detailed panels, expressing both the chaotic and calm, reflective moments. I learned a lot about Vietnam’s history from its struggle against French colonization in the 1940s to the end of the War in the 1970s, beyond the US-centric narrative of the Vietnam War I was used to hearing. Apart from a historical narrative, The Best We Could Do is intimately personal and delves into generational trauma and the author’s journey into motherhood and hopes for her son’s future.
mary00's review
4.0
This graphic memoir provides a thought provoking and powerful look at the often traumatic experience of living in post WWII Vietnam and of the refugee experience.
There were a few times I felt it was just a bit incohesive or left some dangling threads, but overall this was excellent.
There were a few times I felt it was just a bit incohesive or left some dangling threads, but overall this was excellent.
avgastright's review
3.5
I’m still not a super graphic novel person, but this one touched me particularly because of the way the wars in south east Asia forced millions to migrate across borders and oceans. Her parents, my grandpa.
ninajean's review
The memoir was an illustrated account of a Vietnamese family fleeing the aftermath of the Vietnam War to a new life in America. It was interesting to see how the author was taking the time to understand their generational family trauma. The way she was also able to reckon with her childhood by further examining her parent’s own childhoods. This graphic novel was exceptional and so emotionally introspective.