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A review by solitarycapricorn
The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The Mountains Sing’, set in Vietnam, tells the story of the Tran family over multiple generations, against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and its aftermath.
At its core, the novel explores the bond between grandmother Diệu Lan and her granddaughter Hương. The story alternates between Diệu Lan's harrowing past experiences and Hương's present-day struggles in war-torn Hanoi.
This is a complex and beautiful, although a tough read. The story is filled with the effects of war, poverty, hunger, and hardships Diệu Lan and her family endured. It spans many decades, covering The Great Land Reforms, the American War, and the rise of Communism in Vietnam.
However, amidst the struggles, the novel also emphasises the themes of family and hope, portraying the resilient human spirit that persists through difficult times. Love for family forms the story's foundation, as characters await the return of their loved ones from war, facing the invisible rifts that war can create within a family.
Immersed in Vietnam’s culture and lush landscapes, the book offers an emotional journey through the eyes of Diệu Lan and Hương. ( My favourite aspect of the book ).
It sheds light on how a common family can be affected by war and how lives can change overnight, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar history through the eyes of a Vietnamese family.
For readers who enjoy historical fiction that is deep, emotional, and culturally insightful, The Mountains Sing is a must-read. It’s a book that will leave a lasting impact, resonating with its themes of love, loss, and the unbreakable human spirit.
At its core, the novel explores the bond between grandmother Diệu Lan and her granddaughter Hương. The story alternates between Diệu Lan's harrowing past experiences and Hương's present-day struggles in war-torn Hanoi.
This is a complex and beautiful, although a tough read. The story is filled with the effects of war, poverty, hunger, and hardships Diệu Lan and her family endured. It spans many decades, covering The Great Land Reforms, the American War, and the rise of Communism in Vietnam.
However, amidst the struggles, the novel also emphasises the themes of family and hope, portraying the resilient human spirit that persists through difficult times. Love for family forms the story's foundation, as characters await the return of their loved ones from war, facing the invisible rifts that war can create within a family.
Immersed in Vietnam’s culture and lush landscapes, the book offers an emotional journey through the eyes of Diệu Lan and Hương. ( My favourite aspect of the book ).
It sheds light on how a common family can be affected by war and how lives can change overnight, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar history through the eyes of a Vietnamese family.
For readers who enjoy historical fiction that is deep, emotional, and culturally insightful, The Mountains Sing is a must-read. It’s a book that will leave a lasting impact, resonating with its themes of love, loss, and the unbreakable human spirit.