Many thanks to NetGalley, Book Club Girl, and Harper Collins/Mariner Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this fabulous debut by Thao Thai - 5 stars!
This is a multi-generational story narrated by Minh (grandmother), Huong (daughter) and Ann (granddaughter). The story begins with Minh's death and is followed by Ann's return to her grandmother's decrepit house situated next to a banyan tree. Ann is going through a personal crisis, and wants to put the past aside and reconnect with her mother, as they both grieve the loss of Minh. But there are many secrets passed down through this family holding everyone back.
What a gorgeously-written book! We learned about Minh's past in Vietnam through her coming to Florida, as well as her voice from the grave, looking onto her daughter and granddaughter and giving additional context to the relationships. While most readers' lives will look very different from those in this story, the relationships between these women felt so personal. How decisions, words, mistakes, and feelings carry forward through the generations is something that we all can relate to. The Banyan Tree house setting was fabulous too and just added layers to the story. Plus, the Banyan Moon fable is wonderful and I loved its inclusion and meaning put forth by Ann. A fabulous debut - can't wait to read more from this author!
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