A Phở Love Story by Loan Le
What is it about?
When Linh and Bảo, two Vietnamese-American teenagers whose families run competing phở restaurants, fall in love, they face the wrath of their parents.
OK, but what is it really about?
Having been told to avoid each other like the plague because of a long-lasting family feud, Linh and Bảo may have caught glances of one another across the street in their family-owned phở restaurants, but they never spoke, let alone spent time together.
It’s a coincidence and Bảo’s kindness that results in their first real encounter, and they eventually start to hang out. Their friendship quickly blossoms into love, but they must keep their feelings for one another a secret because what would their parents say if they found out the kids were “fraternizing with the enemy?”
Is it any good?
Set in California, this modern-day tale of Romeo and Juliet is funny, heartwarming and refreshing. I love the Vietnamese representation and the emphasis the author puts on family and community. At times, I thought it was a little slow-paced – instead of yet another stolen glance or kiss between the two main characters, I would have liked to find out more about the backstory of their parents who came to America as refugees from Vietnam. Which brings me to my next point: even though this novel is a light-hearted romantic comedy, it also addresses more serious issues, such as racism, cultural identity, family expectations and generational differences. It describes the struggles of Vietnamese refugees in America so well, the sacrifices the parents have to make for their children in order to ensure they have something that was robbed from them: opportunity, and the chance for a better future.
Favorite character?
Linh and Bảo are adorable as star-crossed lovers, they are well-defined and believable with their insecurities and personality traits. It’s sweet to see them confide in each other, sharing their dreams (Linh wants to be an artist, while Bảo discovers his passion for writing, and they do bring the best out in each other), because they face the same pressure at home and both know that their parents will never approve of their respective career choices. Their similar background allows them to develop an understanding for the other that others simply aren’t able to see nor share.
In this “favorite character” section, an honourable mention must go to Việt, who is Bảo’s best friend. This quiet and unassuming, yet unique character with a penchant for forensic science often stole the show. I absolutely loved him.
Most memorable quote?
“’It’s always a game to win, to maintain that we belong here.’ I wonder if Me means not just this community but in America in general.”
Conclusion?
This book resonated with me for many different reasons: I still enjoy reading about falling in love for the first time, and all the awkwardness and joy that comes with it; I could relate to the feeling of being caught between two cultures; I was reminded of my own family in Indonesia in some parts of the book, my large and crazy family that always makes me feel so warm and fuzzy even though we don’t always see eye for eye; and with every fibre of my being, I love any kind of Asian food. So, don’t read this novel when you’re hungry. It will make your stomach growl and leaves you craving a good, old Vietnamese phở.
Trigger warnings: racism, trauma, loss of a loved one
AT A GLANCE
Title: A Phở Love Story
By: Loan Le
Published by: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Pages: 352
Language: English