A review by matthewsalibi
Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So

adventurous dark emotional reflective sad 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? Yes

5.0

Thanks to NetGalley and Ecco for an advance copy of this book.  (I loved it so much I've ordered the hardcover to keep!)

So's voice is so fresh and so specific.  It was enthralling to spend these pages with the children of Cambodian refugees in Stockton, CA.  The whole collection crackles -- what can't So do??  A book of perfectly-executed short stories, a master class in the form.  He winds these stories up so perfectly, it adds a whole meta level of enjoyment; it was fun to step back every few pages to admire how expertly the stories are constructed, how effortlessly he sets up meaning and consequences for his characters.

Also, several LGBTQ+ characters, (maybe all gay men, now that I think about it?), so much more interesting and nuanced than you often find.  If you like short stories or stories about complex cultural identities, you should spend some time with this standout collection.
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