A review by krys_kilz
The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen

emotional hopeful fast-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

5.0

I love how Trung Le Nguyen blended fairy tales, the present, and flashbacks to the past into a magical narrative about family, friendship, and creating shared language across difference. It is so creative and deeply personal as the Author's Notes at the end of the book details. I can tell that so much thought and emotion went into these pages and the story is all the richer for it. 

The artwork is breathtaking and the use of color palette to indicate shifts in narrative is genius. The thread throughout of change and stories shifting with storyteller, place, context, and culture was also very powerful - especially the end of the book where Helen changes the ending to The Little Mermaid to show her love and support for her queer son.

I look forward to seeing whatever Trung Le Nguyen publishes next.
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