Ru by Kim Thuy | A Review
Ru by Kim Thuy A Review
Ru by Kim Thuy-A Review
“Ru” by Kim Thuy is a beautifully poetic and deeply introspective novel that weaves a tapestry of memories, emotions, and cultural identity. Through exquisite prose and a non-linear narrative, Thúy presents a hauntingly evocative account of her life as a Vietnamese refugee, reflecting on the complexities of displacement, assimilation, and the search for belonging.
The title “Ru” translates to “lullaby” in Vietnamese, and indeed, the novel’s lyrical style reads like a mesmerizing lullaby, gently guiding readers through the protagonist’s past and present. Thúy’s poetic language is evident in passages such as: “The way I recognize my family is in the amount of white space there is around them.”
At the heart of the novel “Ru” by Kim Thuy is the protagonist’s journey from Vietnam to Canada as a refugee, capturing the harrowing escape from war-torn Saigon and the challenges of starting anew in an unfamiliar land. Thúy’s portrayal of the refugee experience is deeply human and emotionally resonant. She reflects on her journey: “I left Saigon on a small boat. I was swallowed up by the sea. I died a few times and I was born again a few times.”
Through a series of vignettes, Thúy paints a vivid picture of her family’s experiences, relationships, and cultural heritage. She navigates the complexities of assimilation, describing how her mother felt “like an orchid cut from her roots, a fish that had spent too much time out of water.”
“Ru” is a contemplative exploration of the nature of memory and the lasting impact of one’s past on their present self. Thúy’s reflections on memory are introspective and profound: “What surprises me the most is to find that I’m still here, after so many years, in spite of everything that has happened.”
The novel’s non-linear structure adds an element of mystery and enchantment, as Thúy weaves together past and present, dream and reality, in a seamless tapestry of emotions and impressions. The fragmented narrative reflects the fragmented nature of memory and the human experience.
Throughout the novel, “Ru” by Kim Thuy, the author celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and family bonds. Her reflections on family are deeply moving: “We were so close, we spoke with our eyes, we sang and we danced, we were so close that we lived as one. And when the time came, one of us simply stretched out our hand to pick up a piece of our heart that had shattered on the ground.”
In conclusion, “Ru” by Kim Thúy is a beautifully crafted and deeply affecting novel that offers a poetic and introspective exploration of memory, identity, and the refugee experience. Thúy’s lyrical prose and non-linear narrative create a mesmerizing and emotionally resonant reading experience. This novel is a compelling tribute to the human spirit’s resilience and the profound impact of one’s cultural roots on their journey of self-discovery and belonging. 0 0 0.
Ru by Kim Thuy A Review
N.B. The article ‘Ru by Kim Thuy A Review’ originally belongs to the book ‘Reviews of Selected Motivational Books‘ by Menonim Menonimus. “Ru” by Kim Thuy
Books of Literary Criticism by M. Menonimus:
- World Short Story Criticism
- World Poetry Criticism
- World Drama Criticism
- World Novel Criticism
- World Essay Criticism
- Indian English Poetry Criticism
- Indian English Poets and Poetry Chief Features
- Emily Dickinson’s Poetry-A Thematic Study
- Walt Whitman’s Poetry-A Thematic Study
- Critical Essays on English Poetry
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: Return of the Spirit-An Analytical Study
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: ‘Yawmiyyat Naib Fil Arayaf’-An Analytical Study
- Analytical Studies of Some Arabic Short Stories
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Pre-Islamic Period (500 AD-622 AD)
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Early Islamic Period (622 AD-661 AD)
- Reviews on William Shakespeare’s Works
- Reviews of Charles Dickens’ Works
- Reviews of John Milton’s Literary Works
- Reviews of Some Iconic Travelogues
- Shakespeare’s Sonnets-Critical Studies
- Analytical Studies of Selected Poems of Sarojini Naidu
- Analytical Studies of Selected Poems of Rabindranath Tagore
- Analytical Studies of Selected Indian English Poems
- Reviews of Selected Motivational Books …
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