3 Books Every Vietnamese in the Diaspora Should Read

Stories that speak to belonging, identity, and the beauty of being Vietnamese — wherever you are.

For many Vietnamese living outside their ancestral homeland, identity can feel like a balancing act — between languages, cultures, and expectations. These three books offer a mirror to that experience, providing stories that resonate deeply with the diasporic journey.​

1. The Book of Salt by Monique Truong

Set in 1920s Paris, this novel follows Bình, a Vietnamese cook working for Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas. Through his eyes, readers explore themes of exile, identity, and the complexities of serving in a colonial context. Truong's lyrical prose delves into the intersections of race, sexuality, and displacement, offering a poignant narrative for those navigating multiple identities.

2. Chinatown by Thuân

This novel presents a stream-of-consciousness narrative of a Vietnamese woman reflecting on her life from postwar Hanoi to contemporary Paris. As she rides the Paris Métro, memories of her past, including her marriage to a Chinese-Vietnamese man and the ensuing cultural tensions, surface. Thuận's work captures the fragmented nature of memory and the lingering effects of diaspora.

3. Shade and Breeze by Quynh Tran

Set in Sweden, this novel explores the life of a Vietnamese family navigating the challenges of integration and identity in a new land. Through the lens of family dynamics and community ties, Tran offers a narrative that resonates with many in the Vietnamese diaspora, highlighting the nuances of belonging and estrangement.​

These books are more than stories; they're companions for anyone navigating the intricate tapestry of Vietnamese identity abroad. They affirm that while the journey may be complex, you're not alone — and your story matters.​