heehance

It was the title that first caught my attention when I signed up for the first-reads giveaway and that title did not disappoint. I am so grateful I had an opportunity to read this book. I love historical novels, and this is the first novel I've read set in Vietnam. There are as many stories as their are characters in this book and I found myself wanting it to be longer - deeper - and not to end. Some of the outcomes were predictable but not trite, set against a theme of finding and regaining what had been lost. The descriptions of the pho and Hung's passion for creating it make it the very essence of life, even of art - no less than the poetry or drawing that he treasures. The rich connections and contrasts of cultures, generations and emotions make this a novel I hope to add to my book-club list for the fall!

2023-07-19 07:28