Books to explore: Saneh Sangsuk, Birgit Weyhe, and Khue Pham
In the world of literature, there's a rich tapestry of stories waiting to be discovered. Here, we take a look at three captivating books that offer unique perspectives and thought-provoking themes.
First up is "Rude Girl," a graphic biography penned by Priscilla Layne, a German Studies professor of Black American and Caribbean descent. Published by V&A Books, this engaging narrative chronicles Layne's journey through the left-skinhead scene of Chicago and her eventual rise in academia, navigating challenges such as racism, classism, misogyny, and sexual violence.
Next, we have "The Understory," a novel by Saneh Sangsuk, available from Deep Vellum Publishing. This book, translated into English by Layne herself, brings the subject's voice into the text, with revisions based on feedback and including long stretches of present-day Layne providing corrections and reflections. The novel delves into the anthropocene, ecological disaster, and the human-animal binary, set against the backdrop of a Thai village where the boundaries between humans and tigers begin to blur.
The English version of "The Understory" is a haunting rhythmic tale, with an irresistible pull like a great campfire story. The only person in the village who remembers the forest is Luang Paw Tien, a 93-year-old local Buddhist monk, who regales the reader with his encounters with various jungle animals, including elephants, fish, monkeys, and tigers.
Moving on, we come across "Brothers and Ghosts," a debut novel by Khue Pham, available from Scribe Publications. The narrative follows Kieû, a journalist in contemporary Berlin, who is motivated to unravel her family's mysteries by a mysterious message from an uncle. Themes of diaspora, the immigrant experience, and family dynamics are explored in this captivating story that seems to have much to say that's interesting, yet leaves a wish for a bit more space for the novel's themes to unwind.
Lastly, we turn our attention to the graphic biography "Rude Girl," which tells the story of a Black American woman of Caribbean parentage, Priscilla Layne, who made a name for herself as a German Studies professor. This book, published by V&A Books, offers a compelling narrative and generally quick-paced plotting, but the pace can be too quick, leaving little room for fully fleshing out characters, relationships, or revelations.
Each of these books offers a unique and engaging reading experience, delving into diverse narratives and thought-provoking themes. Whether you're a literature enthusiast or simply looking for a captivating read, these books are sure to provide an enriching journey.
