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A review by nuhafariha
Real Americans by Rachel Khong
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Thank you to Knopf and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Now available.
Like a cinematic masterpiece, Rachel Khong's Real Americans starts with an unexpected meet and greet. When twenty something Lily goes on a date with young, handsome, and mysterious Matthew, she can hardly imagine the twists and turns her life will take. Told from the perspectives of Lily, her mother, and her son Nick, this story travels from 1970s China to 2030's America. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two sections, but began to lose some interest in the third - mainly because I wanted more Lily! Selfishly, I enjoyed seeing her transition from her twenties to her fifties, to see her settle into life. I wanted to hear more about her experiences later in life, alone but still finding ways to make life beautiful and meaningful. The sci-fi elements in this work are subtle but still intriguing enough, though they feel secondary to the human drama at the heart of the piece. Very moving.
Now available.
Like a cinematic masterpiece, Rachel Khong's Real Americans starts with an unexpected meet and greet. When twenty something Lily goes on a date with young, handsome, and mysterious Matthew, she can hardly imagine the twists and turns her life will take. Told from the perspectives of Lily, her mother, and her son Nick, this story travels from 1970s China to 2030's America. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two sections, but began to lose some interest in the third - mainly because I wanted more Lily! Selfishly, I enjoyed seeing her transition from her twenties to her fifties, to see her settle into life. I wanted to hear more about her experiences later in life, alone but still finding ways to make life beautiful and meaningful. The sci-fi elements in this work are subtle but still intriguing enough, though they feel secondary to the human drama at the heart of the piece. Very moving.