A review by nadia
The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai

emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A sad, moving, beautiful story. 

I loved the dual perspectives and the lyrical, yet simple, language. It took me back to when I visited Việt Nam six years ago and learnt a lot more about the country's history, coming to terms with how much we aren't taught in school (and how impossible it is to fit everything in), and which pockets of history get erased or rewritten to suit a narrative.

If you like multi-generational stories, want to learn more about Việt Nam's history, and can handle heaps of sadness and strife on account of a war-torn environment, then this is a book for you!

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