Em by Kim Thúy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was thrilled to receive an English version ARC for review of Kim Thuy’s latest book, Em (my thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley!) I’ve read most of this author’s other novels and loved them.
Her writing style is lyrical – downright beautiful in places – despite the fact that the plots of her novels are usually focused on war, rape, racism, prejudice, avarice, exploitation and abject poverty. The female characters in her novels never make it through unscathed, and yet I am addicted to this author’s stories.
Em is no exception. I loved it! The author lands on each of the many characters in this novel like a bee makes its way to each successive flower. One character links you to yet another character as they touch on each other’s lives in this heart- and soul-stirring novel.
I always marvel at how much this author conveys in so few pages. Her careful choice of words captivates me every time. I hate to put down her books and can’t wait to get back to them. Admittedly, the subject matter is often sad, but I find that reading anything by this author is ultimately satisfying – even restful. These terrible things happened in the past: the characters have had time to accept them, adjust and move on.
Some vignettes do take place in current times, but for the most part we are observing several characters in different parts of the world who have impacted or transformed the lives of young, Louis and Em (Emma-Jade), who serve as the focal point of this very beautifully written story.
Such a haunting, addictive read! I highly, highly recommend Kim Thuy’s Em. I never regret my time spent reading this author’s novels: sheer poetry that billows and twists in the wind like a satin ribbon every time.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
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