She Is a Haunting

She Is a Haunting is a captivating exploration of identity, heritage, and the shadows of the past, penned by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC. Set against the backdrop of Vietnam, the narrative follows Jade Nguyen, a young woman who embarks on a transformative summer with her estranged father, who is deeply engrossed in restoring a colonial house.

The Plot

As Jade grapples with her mixed feelings about her father and her Vietnamese heritage, she becomes increasingly troubled by eerie visions. Among these haunting manifestations is the ghost of a bride, whose ominous warnings against eating resonate with Jade on both a personal and cultural level. This spectral presence is intricately tied to the house's colonial history and Jade's own family's dark secrets.

Confronted by her father’s scepticism and the pervasive weight of colonialism, Jade's journey spirals into a desperate quest for understanding and self-acceptance. Her struggle draws readers into a rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture, history, and the lingering effects of colonisation, making it a poignant reflection on the complexities of familial bonds.

Themes

• Identity and Belonging: The narrative delves into the intricacies of cultural identity and the search for belonging.
• Colonial Legacy: It examines the enduring impacts of colonialism on personal and collective histories.
• Supernatural Elements: The haunting serves as a metaphor for unresolved trauma and generational burdens.

"A haunting tale that intertwines the personal with the historical, leaving a lasting impression."