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Member Reviews

A Bahn Me for Two" is a sweet and concise sapphic romance novel that tells the story of Vivi, a Vietnamese-American visiting Vietnam under the guise of studying abroad in Singapore, and Lan, a local resident who yearns to get out. Their differences and similarities make them a wonderful pair as they compliment each other. Vivi's mother, born in Vietnam, never spoke of her homeland. Motivated by a desire to discover her mother's roots and find any possible relatives, and to sample the delicious street food described by her favorite foodie blogger, Vivi embarks on a journey to Vietnam.

The novel masterfully explores significant themes such as colonialism, the futility of war, and the collective loss experienced by both Americans and Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. It also highlights the historical impact of French and Japanese colonialism, emphasizing the resilience of the Vietnamese people.

While the narrative lacks a central conflict or an obvious hero, it presents a nuanced and educational examination of these important issues. The narrator skillfully guides us through Vivi and Lan's gradual understanding of each other and the factors that initially kept them apart.

The narrator was excellent as she captures the heart and tears of both Vivi and Lan during their fears, struggles, and the two falling in love. Her pacing was excellent as well as her diction when speaking in the voices of some of the citizens. I had to redit that last sentence as to not give any conclusions away.

I extend my sincere gratitude to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with an e-audio copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion. "A Bahn Me for Two" proved to be a charming and educational read, helping me gain a clearer perspective on these complex topics.

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