Author: Tracey Lien
Genre: Fiction, Mystery
Rating: 3 out of 5
Pages: 304
Date Started: 7 November 2022
Date Finished: 14 November 2022
I'd long wanted to read this book, initially drawn in by its catchy title and the recommendation it received on Amazon. The narrative follows Ky Tran as she returns to Cabramatta, Australia for her brother Denny's funeral. Ky is shocked to discover that her parents declined an autopsy, leaving the circumstances of his death shrouded in uncertainty. All that is known is that he was killed in Lucky 8, where he attended a graduation celebration. Despite a multitude of people present at the restaurant, no one witnessed the incident, and the police have yet to identify a suspect. Ky embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery and seek closure with those around her. While this book is categorized as a mystery, it leans more towards being a cultural exploration than a traditional mystery. The author adeptly delves into themes such as the drug culture, racism, the clash of cultures between Vietnamese parents and their children, and the intricate dynamics within families and friendships. The story begins in detail, but its pace slows considerably at a certain point. One of the book's notable strengths is the portrayal of the cultural differences and conflicts between immigrant parents and their children. It effectively delves into teenage friendships and the complications that arise from familial issues and child abuse, capturing the intricacies of these relationships. Despite the author's skillful writing style, the book falls short in creating a true sense of mystery surrounding Denny's death. The narrative meanders, circling without arriving at a definitive point or providing a substantial resolution. While the story has elements of closure, it also leaves several loose ends, particularly regarding the mystery behind Denny's murder. In sum, this book offers an insightful exploration of cultural themes and family dynamics but may leave readers wanting more in terms of the central mystery's development and resolution.
Favorite lines from the book:
We are poor too, but we never go hungry.
If I get the depression and kill you, it will be because of this music! You're making everyone sad with your miserable music! Cut it out!
Cockroaches were dirty and drawn to filthy homes. Crickets were friendly and neighbors who would only move into clean houses.
Just because we are not perfect doesn't mean we are bad!
Our parents fled authoritarian shit. Don't confuse a regime with a country and its people.
She thinks the bigger the Buddha, the better the chances of your brother reincarnating into something good.
Yeah, we're all selfish, but we gotta be.
You can't be there for everyone. You can't be everything to everyone. People will make their own choices, no matter what you do.
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