Owner of a Lonely Heart

by Eva Carter, Beth Nguyen
Owner of a Lonely Heart cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Biography and Memoir
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 1523
  • Added: 2025-10-07
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781982196363
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2023-07-04
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Owner of a Lonely Heart is a deeply moving memoir by Beth Nguyen, an award-winning author, that delves into the complex dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship strained by war and resettlement. At just eight months old, Beth and her family fled Saigon for America, leaving her mother behind, and they only reunited when Beth was nineteen. The memoir spans Beth's childhood in the Midwest, her first meeting with her mother, and her own experiences with parenthood, all while grappling with the condition of being a refugee./n/nThe book is framed by a series of visits between Beth and her mother over the years, some brief and others interrupted, offering a raw and honest portrayal of their relationship. It's a story about the things left unsaid, the impact of absence, and the enduring bond between a mother and daughter despite the physical and emotional distances that separate them.

Reviews
Turn and Work · TBD · 2023-08-20
relatable 4.25

The memoir is a relatable exploration of loneliness and the refugee experience, offering a tactile sense of the author's childhood and the emotions she felt. It is a story that resonates broadly with readers.

Beth Nguyen's memoir offers a deeply relatable exploration of loneliness and the refugee experience. The author's writing brings a tactile sense of her childhood and the complex emotions she felt, making the story resonate broadly with readers. The memoir is not just a personal narrative but a broader reflection on the immigrant experience and the lasting impact of historical events on personal lives. The themes of family, identity, and belonging are explored with honesty and vulnerability, drawing readers into the author's world. The memoir is a testament to the power of storytelling and the courage it takes to share one's most intimate experiences. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with family relationships or the search for identity.

Quick quotes

    Not to suggest that I understand the refugee experience, but Nguyen's writing and experience of loneliness is broadly relatable.

    It sneaks up on you, the way loneliness does.

    The memoir is a deeply personal story of family, connection, and belonging.

Brooklyn Rail · TBD · 2023-07-04
powerful 4.50

The memoir is a raw and dramatic retelling of the author's life, filled with emotional depth and personal revelations. It is a story that is still uncomfortable for the author to tell, adding to its authenticity.

Beth Nguyen's second memoir is a raw and dramatic exploration of her life, filled with emotional depth and personal revelations. The author's willingness to share her most uncomfortable experiences adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative. This memoir is not just a story but a deeply personal journey that the author finds challenging to share, making it all the more powerful. The themes of family, identity, and belonging are explored with honesty and vulnerability, drawing readers into the author's world. The memoir is a testament to the power of storytelling and the courage it takes to share one's most intimate experiences.

Quick quotes

    Beth Nguyen's second memoir, 'Owner of a Lonely Heart,' revolves around a story that is still 'uncomfortably dramatic' for her to tell in real life.

    The memoir is a deeply personal story of family, connection, and belonging.

    Nguyen's honesty and vulnerability will captivate readers instantly.

New York Times · TBD · 2023-07-01
heartfelt 4.00

The memoir is a poignant exploration of family and belonging, with vivid scenes that capture the emotional depth of the author's experiences. It is a deeply personal story that resonates with themes of love and anguish.

This memoir is a deeply moving exploration of family dynamics and the search for belonging. The author's vivid descriptions bring to life the emotional landscape of her childhood and the complex relationships with her parents. The themes of love and anguish are beautifully intertwined, making it a compelling read. The author's honesty and vulnerability are palpable, drawing readers into her personal journey. It's a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with family relationships or the search for identity. The memoir is not just a personal narrative but a broader reflection on the immigrant experience and the lasting impact of historical events on personal lives.

Quick quotes

    Her memoir 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' examines the ripple effect of those departures.

    Some of the most poignant scenes in Beth Nguyen's new memoir capture the emotional depth of her experiences.

    The memoir is a deeply personal story of family, connection, and belonging.

Culturess · 2023-01-20
compelling 4.50

The novel offers a unique perspective on grief and how it can bring people closer together. The storytelling is brilliant and the characters' journeys are compelling.

The reviewer appreciates how Eva Carter's novel offers a fresh perspective on grief, showing how it can bring people closer rather than tear them apart. They find the storytelling brilliant and the characters' journeys compelling. The reviewer is particularly impressed with how the author explores the complexities of grief and the emotional depth of the characters. The book is seen as a powerful exploration of human connections and the healing power of love and support.

Quick quotes

    Eva Carter's novel Owner of a Lonely Heart proves every story can show grief from a different angle, offering readers a new perspective.

    The storytelling was brilliant and I loved the way the characters' journeys were portrayed.

    The book is a powerful exploration of human connections and the healing power of love and support.

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