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A review by linesiunderline
A Pho Love Story by Loan Le
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I can picture this book as a sweet, quiet, character driven movie, with all kinds of amazing kitchen scenes. Le has a real talent for making you want to drop everything and place a huge order from your local Vietnamese, family run restaurant. (I’m very lucky to have one of those 5 minutes away). Her food writing is outstanding. I can’t recall a book in a long time that made me this hungry!
I loved how both of the main characters grew believably throughout the novel, and the love story was a really sweet one. Very PG for those who like to know that kind of thing.
The author also brings in challenging themes related to the refugee experience, immigration, defending one’s family and place in the community, and loss. She handles these topics with a balance of gentleness and directness.
Go into this prepared for a slower moving read. I can’t decide if I might have appreciated that if I had been in a different reading mood, or if the book could have used some more editing / refining in the pacing department. Something about the pace did feel very true to life however. It was just slow at times and occasionally felt like it could benefit from something more dramatic at stake in the plot department.
Recommended for foodies and lovers of gentle romance.
I loved how both of the main characters grew believably throughout the novel, and the love story was a really sweet one. Very PG for those who like to know that kind of thing.
The author also brings in challenging themes related to the refugee experience, immigration, defending one’s family and place in the community, and loss. She handles these topics with a balance of gentleness and directness.
Go into this prepared for a slower moving read. I can’t decide if I might have appreciated that if I had been in a different reading mood, or if the book could have used some more editing / refining in the pacing department. Something about the pace did feel very true to life however. It was just slow at times and occasionally felt like it could benefit from something more dramatic at stake in the plot department.
Recommended for foodies and lovers of gentle romance.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
Minor: Death and Grief