A review by riveraanahiz
Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhhà Lại

4.0

I read this for a hybrid memoir class I'm taking this semester. It's a powerful novel in verse based on the author's own experience leaving her home towards the end of the Vietnam war and then moving to the United States, specifically Alabama. The theme of grief and loss is so present, but there is also this underlying hope. In terms of starting anew from the war as well as the author's father, who disappeared during war and her family held onto for so long. It is written in the point of view of a young girl, which is done so effectively. This book is a good read for children as the simple syntax is easy for them to grasp. My only complaint was that I felt as though the last section was slightly rushed. Other than that, I really enjoyed it.