This is one of the first magical realism books I've read and given it was recommended by a big fan of the genre I am unsurprised by how good it was. The timeline jumps around and has varying character perspectives between characters, I've always enjoyed this style though given the additional complicated plot and interlocking stories it does require some concentration to fully understand. The characters are great and varied, some you hate, some you love, and some you switch between these feelings. It all comes together at the end, if not in a very odd and confusing way, however with reflection I think I understand everything that happened as much as I can. I would have loved

to see Winnie discover her connection with both long and tan and their relationship, but as much as I would have enjoyed to read her reaction to this I can't see where it would fit into the plot so maybe it's best as is.

It is also a good commentary on the attitudes towards women and relationship dynamics in modern Vietnam. I have a few more recommendations from my friend still on the shelf still which I will be excitedly picking up very soon