Vi | 
I was fascinated by the six versions of the word “adore” in Vietnamese: to adore madly; to adore to the point of going rigid as a tree; to adore giddily; to adore to the point of losing consciousness; to the point of fatigue; to the point of losing one‘s grip on oneself.
(Author photo from book jacket.)
pickAll library copies were out, so I requested both French & English, determined to read whichever edition came in first. They arrived at the same time, so I read the #translation by Sheila Fischman, who always does a fine job. Like Thúy‘s earlier novels Mãn and Ru, Vi is a quiet character study told in vignettes that are almost prose poems. It‘s a lovely way to deepen empathy and expand my understanding of Vietnamese diaspora experiences. #Canadian
"My first name, Bảo Vi, showed my parents' determination to "protect the smallest one." In a literal translation, I am "Tiny precious microscopic." As is often the case in Vietnam, I did not match the image of my own name." Kim Thúy will be at #emwf18 to read from her lyrical novel that explores the lives of Vietnamese refugees as they reinvent themselves in new lands. bit.ly/2tGhF4x @PenguinRandomCA #canlit
pickKim Thuy is such a beautiful writer. Not one unnecessary word used. Sheila Fischman's translation as always is just as beautiful.
However, I found the character of Vi to be very flat and dry. There didn't seem to be the depth to her that would match the beautiful writing. I did really like the style of how this was written - each chapter is like a vignette of a story, and the titles or phrases to start each chapter printed on the side.
pickIt's been ages since I read something so quietly elegant. I want to call it extreme realism because the emotions ring so true, but it also feels very much like a dream.
It's excellent, but do NOT expect heaps of plot. This is a "woman proceeds through life" book; introspective and chronological without clear, character-driven turning points.
TW for off-page rape.
It's another crazy hot and humid day out there. This is the speed we're moving at today. Happy holiday (Civic holiday).
She's such a beautiful writer.
This book is only 130 pages, but it's like reading Sarah Winman. Beautiful, tight and never an extra word used.
pickI have always enjoyed Kim Thúy‘s work, and Vi is no exception. Thúy manages to put so much into short chapters and short sentences, and I‘m always astounded by her beautiful writing. This book is about culture, family, being a refugee and finding your place in the world. It is at once delicate and strong, heartbreaking and comforting. I would have liked a more conclusive ending, but overall, I really enjoyed this! #netgalley #arc #canlit #emwf18
This weekend I resisted the urge to buy way too many books. And I have been rewarded with awesome #bookmail! The tagged ARC, which I won months and months ago off goodreads and had given up on. And my second quarter #FeedaReader package from @shendrix413 - can't wait to get home and see what's inside!
@MinDea @TricksyTails
pickThúy's prose is gorgeous, haunting, and mesmerizing. Her writing is captivating and elegant. She captures the spirit and innocence of a young girl while paying homage to Vietnamese culture on the backs of rich characters that are redefining tradition in a new country.
Some fantastic CanLit coming out in 2018!!!
http://www.cbc.ca/books/24-works-of-canadian-fiction-to-watch-for-in-the-first-h...
(And I just won an ARC of the tagged book from Goodreads!)
