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mlnguyen91's review against another edition
dark
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
anitaconchita's review
3.0
Dinh's first novel has much of the hallmarks that have made his short stories and poems notable: hilarious (sometimes grotesque) observations, unforgiving human depictions, and beautiful (if disturbing) descriptions. The book is problematic in many senses (especially in its portrayal of Vietnamese women), but offers a refreshing depiction of Vietnamese and Vietnamese Americans during and after the VN War. He's very in tune with the Vietnamese-Viet Kieu dynamic in Vietnam and critiques it harshly to great dark comedy effect. Highly recommended, but approach with caution.
lwalla01's review against another edition
3.0
Mediocre at best. Not one of the best American writers of the century as the back of the cover says.
anitaconchita's review against another edition
3.0
Dinh's first novel has much of the hallmarks that have made his short stories and poems notable: hilarious (sometimes grotesque) observations, unforgiving human depictions, and beautiful (if disturbing) descriptions. The book is problematic in many senses (especially in its portrayal of Vietnamese women), but offers a refreshing depiction of Vietnamese and Vietnamese Americans during and after the VN War. He's very in tune with the Vietnamese-Viet Kieu dynamic in Vietnam and critiques it harshly to great dark comedy effect. Highly recommended, but approach with caution.
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