Banyan Moon

Thao Thai’s debut novel about the lives of 3 generations of Vietnamese American women is intricately layered and woven beautifully together to reveal to the reader their shared history, their individuality and the ties that bind them.
We are introduced to Ann, her mother, Huong, and the family matriarch, Minh.
As the book progresses we feel we are getting to know - and understand - each woman better. At first they are not necessarily likeable, malleable, characters, but their respective personal stories leave the reader feeling like they are familiar and worthy friends by the end of the book.
Each woman is portrayed realistically , showing her human flaws and strengths, and the threads linking them and their shared story are written exquisitely, with relevance and nuance. The exploration of their relationships to each other is a joy to read. The overriding theme of women overcoming adversity with tolerance, adaptability, quick wit, hard work, guile, love, and ‘a mother’s powerful protection’ is beautifully illustrated.

Thao Thai’s Banyan Moon takes readers on an evocative journey through time and memory, capturing the essence of family and cultural heritage. The novel’s narrative structure, which shifts between different time periods and perspectives, is handled with finesse, allowing the story to unfold gradually and with great emotional depth. Thai’s characters are vividly drawn, their struggles and triumphs portrayed with empathy and authenticity. The lush descriptions of Vietnam and the contrasting scenes of life in Florida create a rich tapestry that enhances the novel’s themes of identity and belonging. Banyan Moon is a beautifully written, deeply moving novel that will resonate with anyone who has grappled with the complexities of family relationships and cultural identity.