A review by elwirax
How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa

challenging emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

How to Pronounce Knife was varied in terms of plots and characterisation (people with very different experiences) but the overarching focus was on Asian immigrant identity and finding purpose.

Thammavongsa's ability to craft such complex characters in a short amount of pages is very impressive. The exploration of these people's joys and struggles was done realistically and really made me feel for them.

There were a few good stories and a few i didn'tlike as much, such is the issue with most short story collection. However, my favourites were Paris, Randy Travis, You are so Embarrassing, and The Universe Would be so Cruel.

Overall, this was a good short story collection and I definitely want to pick up more from Thammavongsa in the future.
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