A review by talknerdybookblog
Family in Six Tones: A Refugee Mother, an American Daughter by Lan Cao, Harlan Margaret Van Cao

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.75

Representation: Vietnamese-American author and Vietnamese biracial author

Family in Six Tones is so well written. I've been taking my time reading this book because I don't want to skim over any part of it. The dual narrative makes Family in Six Tones so unique and elevates the storytelling. Lan's perspective offers an account of living in a country torn apart by war and the uncertainty of moving to America in the pursuit of the American Dream. Lan, however, not only had cultural and language barriers to overcome and work through but the trauma of having to reconcile never being able to go home and trying to live in a country that has been racist towards her. Harlan's perspective offers a look into how the trauma of Lan's childhood (both in Vietnam and America) has influenced Lan's parenting and Harlan's childhood.

What results is a gripping memoir that allows the reader to understand the lasting impact of what it means to be a refugee.

Read my full review on my blog:
Talk Nerdy Book Blog | Family in Six Tones: A Refugee Mother, an American Daughter Review

I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to FSB Association for the opportunity.

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Mature Themes:

• War
• Death
• PTSD
• Allusions to sex


Possible Triggers: Yes

• Discussion of war crimes
• Discussion of r*pe
• Discussions (including memories) of PTSD episodes 
• Discussion of suicide
• Memories of racism and xenophobia


Ending: Nonfiction