A review by alainajreads
The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui

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.