OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own
This is the debut novel by Souvankham Thammavongsa. She is a Laotian-Canadian poet and short story writer.
This is a quirky, funny, and pragmatic depiction of the day in the life of an immigrant nail salon owner. It is told in the first person singular from Ning's point of view. But this is one of those books that will not appeal to everyone. And some may find it offensive.
I read this book in a day (I read a few pages last night). It is the best way to understand this short novel. It is a book you feel.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
The writing was poetic and lush with descriptions of the most mundane things made important and interesting. Descriptions and observations are the heart and soul of this novel. Ning observes and describes almost everything in her day, but lets no one inside herself.
There is also a dichotomy between the nail technicians and customers. All of the nail technicians are named "Susan" (not their real names) to avoid confusion with the customers. What does that say about racism and xenophobia?
Character development: 4.0 stars
The main character is Ning, the owner of the nail salon (and former boxer).
The secondary characters are Mai, Nok, Annie, and Noi, who are the nail technicians who work for Ning in the salon. Also, Rachel (Ning's former boss) and Murch (Ning's former boxing coach) round out the secondary characters.
The tertiary characters are the customers - so many different personalities, yet so similar.
The overall character development was okay. I wanted more about Ning and her backstory. At 144 pages, there cannot be that much character development, so the author may have done that to make us think about the characters more and come to our own conclusions.
Storyline: 4.0 stars
There isn't a real storyline.
This is why some will love this novel. It is very unique, different, and weird. It is more of descriptions and observations of the work, customers, and employee interactions as the day progresses. This is written in first-person singular by the immigrant nail salon owner.
The primary location was unknown. It is set in an undesignated city in an unspecified Western country. My guess is that it is based in Toronto, Canada, with the immigrants from an unknown Southeast Asian country, I think.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
Hearing "pick a color" at the nail salon will make me giggle every time in a nail salon.
But this novel subtly covers racism and xenophobia for wealthier, presumably white customers with the nail technicians, identical in clothing, hair length, and name. This is being done to make it easier for the customers who cannot tell them apart. Seriously sad and ridiculous! We need to do better as human beings!
This book will stay with me for a very long time.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Pretty.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfection - so witty!
Strong recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
Pick a Colour by Souvankham Thammavongsa
144 pages
Bloomsbury Publishing
FUTURE release date: 9/25/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Graphic cursing, sexual content, violence, xenophobia, racism, classism, blood, and violence.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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