A review by kaileehaong
Em by Kim Thúy

emotional informative sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

One of the most exciting things about this book is definitely the form that Thúy is playing with here. The chapters are quick, 1-3 pagers that give you a tiny insight into a character, a “thing,” a historical event, a food, a relationships between characters, etc. These characters get revisited at different points in their lives and at different points during the war in Vietnam. It’s very interesting and I learned a lot, like you might from reading a nonfiction book or memoir, but it also has those classic fiction/nov-elesque elements of storytelling. Really cool, unique book.