Scan barcode
A review by btwnprintedpgs
A Bánh Mì for Two by Trinity Nguyen
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
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? No
4.5
This was such a cute read and such a beautiful love letter to Vietnamese culture and food.
Lan and Vivi meet in Saigon. Lan is a food blogger who feels stuck between her dream of travelling and the obligation to stay home and take care of her mother after her father's death four years ago. Vivi is studying abroad - her parents think she's in Singapore, but she's actually in her Motherland of Vietnam, looking for her mother's family. I loved the dynamic these two had and how they supported each other and challenged one another to be brave and chase what they want in order to achieve their dreams.
I loved this book for two main reasons. The first is the way this story brings Saigon to life. The food descriptions, their little adventures around the district, the new year celebration they go to together, I loved reading about this lively city. I also appreciated that it delved a bit into th generational traumas of war and the impact of colonialism and war within the Vietnamese community and culture. It wasn't heavy handed, but the stories and experiences really brought heart to the story and to the people of Vietnam.
I also loved the family dynamics within the story - the filiel piety element, the moments of grief, the pain of generational trauma and secretive parents - it gave so much life to the characters and their relationships. There was so much depth in such a short story and it's truly a testament to the writer's skill.
My only criticism for this book is the near insta love and the abrupt ending, but everything else was so well done that the story was a hit for me! All in all, would recommend for a quick cute romance full of culture and beautiful relationships.
TW: grief, injury detail; mentions death of a parent
Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 4.5/5
eARC gifted via Edelweiss by Henry Holt and Co. via Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.
Lan and Vivi meet in Saigon. Lan is a food blogger who feels stuck between her dream of travelling and the obligation to stay home and take care of her mother after her father's death four years ago. Vivi is studying abroad - her parents think she's in Singapore, but she's actually in her Motherland of Vietnam, looking for her mother's family. I loved the dynamic these two had and how they supported each other and challenged one another to be brave and chase what they want in order to achieve their dreams.
I loved this book for two main reasons. The first is the way this story brings Saigon to life. The food descriptions, their little adventures around the district, the new year celebration they go to together, I loved reading about this lively city. I also appreciated that it delved a bit into th generational traumas of war and the impact of colonialism and war within the Vietnamese community and culture. It wasn't heavy handed, but the stories and experiences really brought heart to the story and to the people of Vietnam.
I also loved the family dynamics within the story - the filiel piety element, the moments of grief, the pain of generational trauma and secretive parents - it gave so much life to the characters and their relationships. There was so much depth in such a short story and it's truly a testament to the writer's skill.
My only criticism for this book is the near insta love and the abrupt ending, but everything else was so well done that the story was a hit for me! All in all, would recommend for a quick cute romance full of culture and beautiful relationships.
TW: grief, injury detail; mentions death of a parent
Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 4.5/5
eARC gifted via Edelweiss by Henry Holt and Co. via Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent