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mbedrosian's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent
Moderate: Murder
marioosa517's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Cursing, Infidelity, Mental illness, Sexual content, Medical content, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Abandonment
I’bea_reads_books's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I can’t believe this is a debut novel 😦 This is genuinely such an incredible book I don’t even know how to put most of my thoughts into words. It kind of reminds me of Hula by ‘Iolani Hakes which I read earlier this month. There are similar themes of generational trauma, imperfect people just doing their best, and the rifts that form between mothers and daughters and how they change over time. There were so many emotional moments, so much I relate to despite being little like these women outside of also being a mother.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Misogyny, Racism, Sexual content, Medical content, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
aksmith92's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Setup: Banyan Moon is a moving and intricately woven debut novel that delves into the lives of three generations of Vietnamese American women: Minh, her daughter Huong, and her granddaughter Ann. From 1960s Vietnam to present-day Florida, the novel explores legacy, identity, and the fraught yet tender relationships between mothers and daughters.
The narrative unfolds with the passing of Minh, the Tran family's matriarch, which prompts Ann to return to her childhood abode, the enigmatic Banyan House, to reconcile with her estranged mother, Huong. Ann, a successful artist grappling with an unexpected pregnancy and a turbulent relationship, embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she and Huong sift through Minh's belongings, unearthing long-buried family secrets.
Through alternating timelines, Thai reveals the rich backstories of each woman. Minh's narrative takes readers from her youth in Vietnam to her struggles as a single mother in America, and even after her death. Huong's story highlights her escape from an abusive marriage, while Ann's journey focuses on her search for identity and understanding within the context of her family's history.
What I Liked: I adored Thai's writing—it was atmospheric and had such emotional depth. There were so many beautiful analogies, metaphors, and quotes. I felt seeped in this novel, and it was a stunning read. Thai also captured the Tran women's complexities through their relationships and individual struggles. The narrative's dual timelines enhanced the reader's understanding of how past traumas and sacrifices shaped the present, making Banyan Moon resonant and thought-provoking. I thoroughly enjoyed Thai's exploration of cultural heritage and family dynamics - there were incredible details in this novel that made it feel real.
Lastly, the novel was infused with a unique blend of magical realism and Southern Gothic elements. Though not essential to the plot, these elements added an ethereal and original touch to the story. They created a world where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural were blurred, enhancing the reader's experience. The poignant examination of love, grief, and forgiveness, combined with this unique blend of genres, made Banyan Moon a captivating read.
What I Didn't Like: While the writing was terrific and the overall storyline was beautiful, where I think it fell flat was character development and nuance. Minh, Huong, and Ann all seemed similar in their emotional capacity, character development, and overall decision-making. In a way, they all seemed emotionally detached from everyone and everything but each other, and I felt like something was missing. Maybe that was the point: generations of women continued the cycle repeatedly. But it was frustrating and didn't provide a lot of nuance to their own individual characters - they just all seemed the same. Additionally, they were not necessarily likable characters, which I could have gotten on board with if they were exciting and nuanced. I think that was lacking here, and I had trouble rooting for (or against) them - I was simply disinterested in their progression. I was thankful to have the plot with a couple of twists along the way to keep me vested because, without that, this would not have been a good read for me. Take it with a grain of salt, though, because I heavily err on the importance of connecting with the characters, their nuance, and their uniqueness.
Also, unexpected pregnancies are not my jam (not a spoiler!); however, it had little sway on my rating because it truly was part of the point.
Lastly, all the trauma, frustration, and anger were tied up so neatly at the end. I don't mind this per se, but I think it made the last 10% feel slightly rushed and thrown together.
Overall, though, this was a beautiful read, and I look forward to seeing what Thao Thai produces in the future.
The narrative unfolds with the passing of Minh, the Tran family's matriarch, which prompts Ann to return to her childhood abode, the enigmatic Banyan House, to reconcile with her estranged mother, Huong. Ann, a successful artist grappling with an unexpected pregnancy and a turbulent relationship, embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she and Huong sift through Minh's belongings, unearthing long-buried family secrets.
Through alternating timelines, Thai reveals the rich backstories of each woman. Minh's narrative takes readers from her youth in Vietnam to her struggles as a single mother in America, and even after her death. Huong's story highlights her escape from an abusive marriage, while Ann's journey focuses on her search for identity and understanding within the context of her family's history.
What I Liked: I adored Thai's writing—it was atmospheric and had such emotional depth. There were so many beautiful analogies, metaphors, and quotes. I felt seeped in this novel, and it was a stunning read. Thai also captured the Tran women's complexities through their relationships and individual struggles. The narrative's dual timelines enhanced the reader's understanding of how past traumas and sacrifices shaped the present, making Banyan Moon resonant and thought-provoking. I thoroughly enjoyed Thai's exploration of cultural heritage and family dynamics - there were incredible details in this novel that made it feel real.
Lastly, the novel was infused with a unique blend of magical realism and Southern Gothic elements. Though not essential to the plot, these elements added an ethereal and original touch to the story. They created a world where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural were blurred, enhancing the reader's experience. The poignant examination of love, grief, and forgiveness, combined with this unique blend of genres, made Banyan Moon a captivating read.
What I Didn't Like: While the writing was terrific and the overall storyline was beautiful, where I think it fell flat was character development and nuance. Minh, Huong, and Ann all seemed similar in their emotional capacity, character development, and overall decision-making. In a way, they all seemed emotionally detached from everyone and everything but each other, and I felt like something was missing. Maybe that was the point: generations of women continued the cycle repeatedly. But it was frustrating and didn't provide a lot of nuance to their own individual characters - they just all seemed the same. Additionally, they were not necessarily likable characters, which I could have gotten on board with if they were exciting and nuanced. I think that was lacking here, and I had trouble rooting for (or against) them - I was simply disinterested in their progression. I was thankful to have the plot with a couple of twists along the way to keep me vested because, without that, this would not have been a good read for me. Take it with a grain of salt, though, because I heavily err on the importance of connecting with the characters, their nuance, and their uniqueness.
Also, unexpected pregnancies are not my jam (not a spoiler!); however, it had little sway on my rating because it truly was part of the point.
Lastly, all the trauma, frustration, and anger were tied up so neatly at the end. I don't mind this per se, but I think it made the last 10% feel slightly rushed and thrown together.
Overall, though, this was a beautiful read, and I look forward to seeing what Thao Thai produces in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Misogyny, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Blood, Murder, and War
Minor: Child abuse, Drug use, and Racism
mbgibson825's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
fkshg8465's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Looks like I’m getting my fill of Vietnamese literature this year. This one was very good. A departure from the model minority story and an irreverence for purity culture. Minh’s perspective was my favorite, and I really loved that she was still narrating after she wouldn’t normally.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
malihareza_19's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is a story I won’t forget. It will have a special place in my heart. As an Asian American, I know what they went through. Huong was my favorite character and I’m glad Ann didn’t end up with anyone at the end. Only her and kumquat 💘
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: War
futuretreeman's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book, man. Wrenched at my heart in every way possible. I am a sucker for complicated parental relationships! And does this book have that! The characters are maybe some of the most complex characters I've ever read. They are so full of flaws and can be quite awful to each other. I loved getting to read from each of their POVs. If the story was only written from the perspective of one, I would be inclined to think of the others as the villains of the story. But you just can't, each one makes mistakes and some of them horrible but . . .
I read this book as I am in the folds of moving on from my own broken relationships. We were horrible to each other, in many ways me more than them, just as these characters were horrible to each other. But it was wonderful to see that they could still love, care, and support each other anyway.
My critque?
Thai used a lot of metaphors in her writing and many were beautiful! But there were also many that did not make a whole lot of sense to me. And those little moments took me out of the book a little bit. They multiplied in a way that sometimes made it hard to see past their cliche and into the powerful thoughts they were supposed to be.
This next bit is not a critique to the author. Some of the chapters from Minh's POV also took me away from the story a bit. And I don't think it was because they were poorly written or nonvaluable. I think it was maybe my own afterlife beliefs. Everything in the story is so raw and real, but hearing from the ghost of somebody in that context was strange. I think that because I don't believe in an afterlife, it was hard for those chapters to feel as real to me as the others.
Though I am sure someone who does believe in the afterlife would not have the same qualms with the chapters as I did.
I did find those chapters illuminating to Minh's character though. And when she took us back to her past in Vietnam, how everything started, I was able to fall back into the story; those were wonderful moments.
Every chapter brought us a new twist. Some, granted, quite a lot bigger than others. Thai keeps you coming back from the moment meet our 3 badass women choking on red tide toxins.
Thank you Thao Thai.
I read this book as I am in the folds of moving on from my own broken relationships. We were horrible to each other, in many ways me more than them, just as these characters were horrible to each other. But it was wonderful to see that they could still love, care, and support each other anyway.
My critque?
Thai used a lot of metaphors in her writing and many were beautiful! But there were also many that did not make a whole lot of sense to me. And those little moments took me out of the book a little bit. They multiplied in a way that sometimes made it hard to see past their cliche and into the powerful thoughts they were supposed to be.
This next bit is not a critique to the author. Some of the chapters from Minh's POV also took me away from the story a bit. And I don't think it was because they were poorly written or nonvaluable. I think it was maybe my own afterlife beliefs. Everything in the story is so raw and real, but hearing from the ghost of somebody in that context was strange. I think that because I don't believe in an afterlife, it was hard for those chapters to feel as real to me as the others.
Though I am sure someone who does believe in the afterlife would not have the same qualms with the chapters as I did.
I did find those chapters illuminating to Minh's character though. And when she took us back to her past in Vietnam, how everything started, I was able to fall back into the story; those were wonderful moments.
Every chapter brought us a new twist. Some, granted, quite a lot bigger than others. Thai keeps you coming back from the moment meet our 3 badass women choking on red tide toxins.
Thank you Thao Thai.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, and Medical content
Minor: Child abuse, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Classism
brabbyb's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I read this for a "marginalized voices" Book Club and really struggled to finish. It's essentially a book about generational trauma and emotional repression. It's also riddled with similes to the point where there is at least 1 every other page. Which made reading this feel like even more of a chore.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse
oceanwriter's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I’m almost always up for a book centered on family drama. Banyan Moon brings this to the table with the extra layers of generational struggles and the differences brought on by being raised in different cultures.
When Minh passes away, her daughter Huong and granddaughter Ann come together to mourn their losses. For Huong, her mourning feels doubled, envious of the good relationship Ann had with Minh that she could never achieve. For Ann, she’s also mourning the seemingly perfect life she’d built that began to grumble simultaneously. Together, Ann and Huong strive to mend their own complicated relationship all while uncovering long-kept secrets that had been hiding in Minh’s house all along.
I found the book to be a slower pace than I like to read with my eyes. I think I would have gotten more out of it had I listened to the audiobook. Having already purchased the hardcover and long waits at the library I pushed through. Minh was definitely the most interesting part of the story for me. I also very much enjoyed the complicated relationships between the three women.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, and Grief
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Child abuse, Infertility, and Murder