Reviews

The Refugees by Viet Thanh Nguyen

hannahmcc171's review against another edition

emotional informative inspiring sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

elizakaspar1988's review

4.0

A collection of short stories were every story felt truly unique. Each story felt like a snapshot into the characters' lives and many left me wanting more, which I think is a characteristic of a good short story.

heatherems's review

3.0

Interesting, if not hugely memorable. The stories give a nicely textured insight into the lives of these particular refugees, their stories and motivations. Would recommend to readers who enjoy short story conciseness, international flavor, and open ended writing.

jillybeann's review

5.0

This collection of short stories is one of the best I have ever read. The range of experiences and emotions of characters in these short stories is incredible. Each story is captivating and you cannot help but be sucked into their worlds. I strongly recommend this book.

shanmillar's review

inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

linwang77's review

3.0

I don’t usually like short story books, but I did enjoy this. It was super easy to read and felt insightful in each perspective that was told. Maybe a little heavy handed with ghost metaphor and mysticism in the first story, but did a good job of setting up a motif and lens for the rest of the stories. And each story/character did feel interesting and different although told through the author’s signature simple and witty tone.

foreverchaptigued's review against another edition

3.0

Black-Eyed Woman - 5/5
The Other Man - 4/5
War Years - 4/5
The Transplant - 2/5
I'd Love You To Want Me -3/5
The Americans - 2/5
Someone Else Besides You - 2/5
Fatherland - 2/5

flow_state's review

5.0

A very quick read with some interesting stories. I felt some of them ended too quickly but I liked this collection nonetheless

3huskies79's review

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

claudiap's review against another edition

emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

2.75