Through the Tran family’s struggles and setbacks, the novel addresses gentrification and immigrant experiences, but the overall mood is somehow more of a comedy. Some of their plans to save the salon and the family have a heist movie feel, which keeps a lighter tone, even with very realistic dangers for the family business. Father Phil is certain he can win enough money through gambling to pay off the back rent, despite some pretty dramatic losing streaks. Of course, he’ll have to risk the money they do have… Meanwhile, mother Debbie stumbles into a certain shocking secret that will make great blackmail.
But Sunshine Nail isn’t entirely a comedy. The book also reveals the reasons Debbie and Phil had to leave Vietnam, and there’s an constant awareness of the culture gap between the parents and the kids. in this family. The book also shows the struggles their niece Thuy faces trying to establish herself in Toronto while her family back is sure she’s making loads of cash and should be helping them more. And almost anywhere we look, affordable housing and shopping is gentrifying into expensive neighborhoods and chains.
There were a few moments that felt too heavy-handed, like a huge neighborhood protest to save a beautiful old building, or daughter Jessica suddenly discovering her passion for nails and her latent dream of opening her own salon. I wanted a little more from Jessica’s story arc, partly because her boomerang storyline and her relationship mistakes were so interesting. For me, these slightly forced moments detracted a bit from the overall story, but it’s still a fun read and a timely novel.
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Thanks for another fine review. I loved this novel with its acetone-sharp satire and exploration of themes of gentrification and generational expectations. I agree it resolved too tidily, but the sunniness didn't bother me, it's there in the title I suppose. This was a great listen on audiobook.