Episode 037: Vi – Time to Read

Thanks for joining us. This month we are discussing Vi by Kim Thúy.

The daughter of an enterprising mother and a wealthy, spoiled father who never had to grow up, Vi was the youngest of their four children and the only girl. They gave her a name that meant “precious, tiny one,” destined to be cosseted and protected, the family’s little treasure.

But the Vietnam War destroys life as they’ve known it. Vi, along with her mother and brothers, manages to escape–but her father stays behind, leaving a painful void as the rest of the family must make a new life for themselves in Canada.

While her family puts down roots, life has different plans for Vi. Taken under the wing of Hà, a worldly family friend, and Vincent, her diplomat lover, Vi tests personal boundaries and crosses international ones, letting the winds of life buffet her. From Saigon to Montreal, from Suzhou to Boston to the fall of the Berlin Wall, she is witness to the immensity of geography, the intricate fabric of humanity, the complexity of love, the infinite possibilities before her. Ever the quiet observer, somehow Vi must find a way to finally take her place in the world.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

One eRead Canada

Conversation with Kim Thúy and Shelagh Rogers, courtesy of Ottawa Public Library’s facebook page

Enid Blyton and food: https://worldofblyton.com/2018/03/09/blytons-food/

Natural History of the Senses by Diane Ackerman

Aphrodite by Isabel Allende

TELL US ABOUT ANOTHER BOOK I MIGHT LIKE

Trevor: The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

Kirsten: Weather by Jenny Offill

Dennis: And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

NERD WORDS FOR WORD NERDS

Trevor: Copper

Kirsten: Bubble

Dennis: Anticipation

Many thanks to everyone who got in touch with us this month, including sophiejfirby on Facebook and @e.ggshelle @rhaeredekop @swivelsb and @borderregionallibrary on Instagram for contributing to our discussion!

Remember to wash your hands frequently, limit your contacts, and STAY HOME if you are feeling sick.

Next month we’re talking about Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes.

We’re looking forward to hearing what you think! Join our Facebook group, or follow Winnipeg Public Library on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Email us at wpl-podcast@winnipeg.ca with suggestions, comments, and questions. Visit us at wpl-podcast.winnipeg.ca.

Time to Read is a production of the Winnipeg Public Library. Our panel today included Kirsten Wurmann, Dennis Penner, and Trevor Lockhart.