A review by ellieb_reads
Banyan Moon by Thao Thai

5.0

This book is just gorgeous, easily one of my favorite novels I’ve read this year. The writing is stunning, even more impressive considering this is author Thao Thai’s debut! Banyan Moon centers around three generations of women and the relationships between mothers and daughters. The book includes flashbacks to 1960s Vietnam, and passages where grandmother Minh (who has died) is observing her daughter and granddaughter and reflecting on their lives. These sections especially brought so much depth to the book. If I had to critique anything it would be Ann’s relationships with Noah and Wes, but the ending wrapped up these storylines in exactly the way I wanted. Despite not being a thriller or mystery, the plot was exciting enough that I hardly wanted to put it down. An emotional, beautiful, and engaging novel that I can’t recommend enough.