A review by bookscoffeehayley
The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen

emotional inspiring reflective sad tense 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? Yes

5.0

CW: death of a parent, grief, homophobia, religious bigotry

The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen was one of the best graphic novels I’ve read! Both the illustrations and the writing were wonderful! I would definitely recommend it!

I loved how Nguyen used various versions of fairytales to help the story move. I was so captured by them! The relationship between Tien and Helen, and also Tien and his two best friends, was so wonderful and supportive! I read this graphic novel on my dinner break at work and was definitely crying by the end!

I also want to mention the last few pages of this book when Nguyen goes into detail about his writing and illustration process! It was such a lovely addition to learn more about the history and meaning of the clothing he chose to illustrate!

All around a great debut graphic novel that I will absolutely need to add to my shelves!
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