If you’re looking for a story with heart and character, Linh Ly is Doing Just Fine is for you. This one feels like a slow tidal wave that pulls you in. I became absorbed in Linh following her mother and her reconnecting with her tennis team. Keep reading this book review of Linh Ly is Doing Just Fine for my full thoughts.
Summary
When 27-year-old Linh Ly’s recently-divorced mother begins dating a coworker, Linh is determined to make sure he is worthy of her mother. She’s seen the kind of men her mother ends up with—she grew up watching her unreliable and volatile alcoholic father as her mother worked two jobs to make ends meet. Linh is certain that her mother can’t do this on her own, but what begins as genuine worry quickly turns obsessive.
Following her mother and spying on her dates becomes part of Linh’s routine, especially after a university shooting at Linh’s work that leaves her feeling adrift—at least her mom’s dating life gives her something to focus on. Linh doesn’t exactly have a life of her own (dating or otherwise) and figures the best course of action is action—not how she handled the curl up in a ball and wait it out.
Linh is slowly forced to reconcile the image of her mother from her childhood with the woman she’s getting to know as an adult. Growing up Vietnamese in the middle of Texas with a broken household taught Linh a certain guarded way of living—one she never quite left behind.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Linh Ly is Doing Just Fine is a story that pulled me in. On the surface, it’s a story about Linh following her mother, wanting to protect her. But in many ways it’s about their relationship, her wanting to make sure her mother is respected and cherished, as they both reel from the past. Below the surface, it’s also a story about how Linh’s actions reflect on her own life. We explore her friendships, both new and old, and her own romantic life which becomes entangled with her pursuit. This almost slice of life story focuses on Linh who is definitely not doing fine.
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Linh Ly is Doing Just Fine feels like a quiet book. It’s character driven and while there is certainly growth, it’s mostly focused on Linh’s internal narration. As she begins to see her mom in new lights, will it give her the space to see herself in new light as well? Her care of her mother almost feels like the role of parent and child are reversed, but how will their relationship navigate this. With some very soft moments between her and her mother, I ended up enjoying the tennis friend story lines too!
I listened to the audiobook of Linh Ly is Doing Just Fine and would recommend because it feels like Linh is talking directly to you. It feels as if Eunice Wong’s narration is getting caught up over coffee. For a story that has many of its roots in friendships, I felt like we became friends. I love a good dark horse of a friendship and it is another avenue for Linh to explore her own (pre)conceptions. Find Linh Ly is Doing Just Fine on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.