That Summer in Provincetown

That Summer in Provincetown by Caroline Vu, published by Guernica Editions in 2015, is a poignant narrative that explores the complexities of a Vietnamese family across three generations as they navigate significant historical events of the 20th century. This first edition, comprising 133 pages, presents the story through the eyes of a young girl who seeks to comprehend her family’s struggles and scandals against the backdrop of the War of Independence and the Vietnam War.
Readers will find a rich exploration of resilience and tragedy, particularly centered on the impact of AIDS in the early 1980s, as experienced by the narrator’s cousin, Daniel. The novel delves into themes of identity and familial bonds, highlighting the challenges faced by a family of physicians grappling with the stigma surrounding the disease. Through its literary and coming-of-age elements, the book offers a reflective look at personal and collective histories, making it a significant addition to contemporary fiction.
Official synopsis Publisher
This story follows three generations of a Vietnamese family as they struggle through major events of the 20th century. From the War of Independence against the French colonial power to the Vietnam War, the novel depicts a family’s resilience in the face of tragedy, as told through the voice of a young girl attempting to understand family scandals within an historical context. At the novel’s core is the death from AIDS in the early 1980s of the narrator’s half French, half Vietnamese cousin Daniel, a beautiful rebel who is stricken down following a summer escapade in Provincetown. His family of three generations of physicians cannot bear to call the disease by its true name. Daniel dies alone in his Montreal hospital room.
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “That Summer in Provincetown” about?
Who is the author of “That Summer in Provincetown”?
When was “That Summer in Provincetown” published?
What is the ISBN for “That Summer in Provincetown”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
