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sehenry20's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Sexual assault, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, War, and Classism
anna_pizzichidilibri's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Death, Violence, and War
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cancer, Rape, and Abortion
savvylit's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
What truly makes this novel shine is the personal tone of the entire story. Huong's recollections feel diaristic and Dieu Lan's story is entirely addressed to Huong. When Nguyen reveals in the acknowledgments that The Mountains Sing was directly inspired by the lives of her family members and friends' families, it came as no surprise to me.
The Mountains Sing is the first book that prolific author Nguyen Phan Que Mai ever wrote in English, her second language. I have seen a handful of criticism of this novel that states that the writing is too simple or repetitive. First of all, I challenge those reviewers to consider writing an entire narrative in a second language. Second of all, I think that the bittersweet beauty and strength of this story overrides any supposed less-sophisticated diction.
Graphic: Death, Sexual violence, Violence, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, and War
aquamarinecadet's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
do you feel like a rather gruesome, inspiringly hopeful but incredibly sad war torn intergenerational trauma family saga? then this book is for you 😀
"What my uncle said made me think. I had resented America, too.
4.5 stars because there are things that distract from the story that i feel could have been better written: funky pacing at times, and the last letter declaration-
Graphic: Physical abuse, Violence, Murder, and War
bessadams's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Physical abuse, Torture, Excrement, Abortion, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Classism
Minor: Rape and Suicidal thoughts
syddo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and War
pranjuli's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Child death, Sexual assault, Violence, Murder, and War
pamusialak's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Rape, Violence, Abortion, Sexual harassment, and War
tvnguyen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This historical fiction hits really close to home and to hear directly from a fictional family that has been affected represents so many families that actually experienced the aftermath of war. There is a lot going on in this book so please tread lightly and take breaks if needed. But I highly recommend this novel!
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, and War
nico_asteri's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and War
Moderate: Sexual violence