Listen, Slowly (published in 2015) by Thanhha Lai is a coming-of-age tale that bridges the gap between two contrasting cultures. The narrative unfolds from the perspective of a young Vietnamese American girl named Mai, who prefers her American name, Mia. She is a California-born and bred pre-teen who adores beach life and eagerly anticipates summer vacations. Her plans, however, take an unexpected turn when she is taken to Vietnam by her grandmother, who is seeking closure about her husband's fate in the Vietnam War.
In Vietnam, Mia is swept into a world strikingly different from the one she knows. She's confronted by her heritage, a foreign language, strange customs, and her stern grandfather's rural clinic. At first, Mia resents this sudden shift in her life, feeling out of place and disconnected. But as days turn into weeks, she begins to appreciate the warmth of her extended family, the vibrant landscapes, and the rich stories that her grandmother shares about their ancestors. Mia's journey is not just geographical but also emotional, as she uncovers deep-seated family secrets and slowly learns to listen—to her family, her heritage, and her heart.
Upon release, Listen, Slowly received a warm reception for its beautiful depiction of cross-cultural experiences and the exploration of a young girl's journey toward self-discovery. Critics praised Lai's ability to craft an engaging and insightful narrative that captures the often complex emotions of a young person caught between two worlds. Kirkus Review wrote an incredibly positive review of the novel, saying that the novel is "A touching tale of preteen angst and translation troubles."
