A review by spicycronereads
Sunshine Nails by Mai Nguyen
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This was a book club pick so a bit outside what I typically read. I enjoyed it. However there were a lot of plot points that went nowhere, and a few that seemed to come from nowhere. For example, when Jessica describes Hamza as “tall and lanky with a noticeable dimple on the right side of his mouth, like a period at the end of a sentence,” I really thought we were going to see more of him. But then we don’t see him again for most of the book and when he does reappear, they don’t make a connection. Mackenzie’s angel investor dad is another example… so much story potential. This wasn’t a mystery novel; we don’t need red herrings!
The story is split across five points of view of a first generation Vietnamese Canadian family - the parents Phil and Debbie, siblings Dustin and Jessica, and cousin Thuy. As a result of such a divided narrative, we seem to get only the most superficial insights / character arcs.
That said, there are many things to like about the novel. There are some interesting glimpses into the Vietnamese immigrant community in Canada and some lovely moments of family connection and love.
There is a lot of racial diversity which makes the diverse representation quite prominent. The five MCs are all Vietnamese. Dustin’s girlfriend is South Asian, and there is an entire community of aunties, uncles, cousins, etc whom we glimpse briefly. We see some class struggle and the effects of gentrification as well.
I read a review that praised how the novel deals with racism. In my opinion it doesn’t actually address the racist things that happen in the story. They happen and then the narrative quickly moves past them. Maybe that is to illustrate just how banal the casual racism and micro-aggressions are, but it left me wanting more.
There is no spice to speak of. A few, very brief scenes where characters are intimate. The details are not quite closed door but not open either, so maybe cracked door? This is not a romance novel and the romantic relationships are in the background in favor of the family dynamics.
Overall, I enjoyed the novel. We had a great book club discussion about it. I recommend it to those interested in complex family dynamics or the Vietnamese immigrant experience in North America. 3.25 ⭐️
The story is split across five points of view of a first generation Vietnamese Canadian family - the parents Phil and Debbie, siblings Dustin and Jessica, and cousin Thuy. As a result of such a divided narrative, we seem to get only the most superficial insights / character arcs.
That said, there are many things to like about the novel. There are some interesting glimpses into the Vietnamese immigrant community in Canada and some lovely moments of family connection and love.
There is a lot of racial diversity which makes the diverse representation quite prominent. The five MCs are all Vietnamese. Dustin’s girlfriend is South Asian, and there is an entire community of aunties, uncles, cousins, etc whom we glimpse briefly. We see some class struggle and the effects of gentrification as well.
I read a review that praised how the novel deals with racism. In my opinion it doesn’t actually address the racist things that happen in the story. They happen and then the narrative quickly moves past them. Maybe that is to illustrate just how banal the casual racism and micro-aggressions are, but it left me wanting more.
There is no spice to speak of. A few, very brief scenes where characters are intimate. The details are not quite closed door but not open either, so maybe cracked door? This is not a romance novel and the romantic relationships are in the background in favor of the family dynamics.
Overall, I enjoyed the novel. We had a great book club discussion about it. I recommend it to those interested in complex family dynamics or the Vietnamese immigrant experience in North America. 3.25 ⭐️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia and Racism
Minor: Alcohol, Vomit, Suicidal thoughts, Alcoholism, and Drug use