She Is a Haunting
When Jade Nguyen arrives in Vietnam for a visit with her estranged father, she has one goal: survive five weeks pretending to be a happy family in the French colonial house Ba is restoring. She’s always lied to fit in, so if she’s straight enough, Vietnamese enough, American enough, she can get out with the college money he promised.
But the house has other plans. Night after night, Jade wakes up paralyzed. The walls exude a thrumming sound, while bugs leave their legs and feelers in places they don’t belong. She finds curious traces of her ancestors in the gardens they once tended. And at night Jade can’t ignore the ghost of the beautiful bride who leaves her cryptic warnings: Don’t eat.
Neither Ba nor her sweet sister Lily believe that there is anything strange happening. With help from a delinquent girl, Jade will prove this house—the home her family has always wanted—will not rest until it destroys them. Maybe, this time, she can keep her family together. As she roots out the house’s rot, she must also face the truth of who she is and who she must become to save them all.
Embark on a captivating journey through the realms of love, loss, and the complexities of the human heart with "She Is a Haunting," a novel by Trang Thanh Tran. Set amidst the vibrant backdrop of Saigon, this poignant tale follows the intertwined lives of four individuals as they navigate the challenges of relationships and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.
At the center of the story is Linh, a woman haunted by the memories of her past. As she struggles to come to terms with her loss, she finds solace in the company of three strangers: Tuan, a disillusioned writer; Mai, a young woman seeking independence; and Trung, an enigmatic artist grappling with his own demons. As their paths converge, they form an unlikely bond, finding comfort and strength in one another.
Through the eyes of these four characters, "She Is a Haunting" delves into the complexities of love and relationships. It explores the nuances of longing, heartbreak, and the search for connection in an ever-changing world. The novel weaves together their stories, painting a vivid tapestry of human emotion and resilience.
With lyrical prose and a keen eye for detail, Trang Thanh Tran captures the essence of Saigon's vibrant culture and the transformative power of love. "She Is a Haunting" is a poignant exploration of the human condition, a story that lingers in the heart long after the last page is turned.
Lose yourself in the evocative world of "She Is a Haunting" and discover the beauty and resilience of the human spirit. This novel is a testament to the enduring power of love, the strength of friendship, and the hope that can be found even in the darkest of times.
Rating:
