The Frangipani Hotel

The Frangipani Hotel is a captivating debut collection of short stories that intertwines traditional Vietnamese folk tales with the modern experiences of characters grappling with the legacy of the Vietnam War. Each story is a blend of the supernatural and the mundane, featuring characters who struggle against the burdens of the past, whether they are immigrants or those who remained in Vietnam. The collection is based on tales told to the author by her grandmother, providing a rich cultural backdrop that is both evocative and chilling. The stories transcend their genre, offering a profound exploration of the postwar experience and the enduring impact of war on individuals and communities. The author's voice is a fresh and exciting addition to American fiction, with a depth and range that captivates readers. /n/n The Frangipani Hotel is praised for its subversive cleverness and the subtle purpose behind its playful and at times scary narratives. The stories are described as magical, beautiful, and modern, invoking the ghosts of the land left behind. The collection is an astonishing feat for a young writer, with each story shimmering with life and offering a unique perspective on the immigrant experience and the lives of those who stayed. The author's ability to combine traditional storytelling with a postmodern sense of anxiety and darkness results in a captivating and haunting read that lingers long after the last page is turned.