A Banh Mi For Two By Trinity Nguyen
Narrated by Carolina Do and VyVy Nguyen

Review by jjj000yyy

Thank you to the publisher for providing the advanced reader copy. All opinions and thoughts are mine and mine alone.

This audiobook had two narrators for each narrating character and they fit the characterization of time of each character really well. Their deliveries were so distinct that they really brought the characters to life. Lan, who lives in Sài Gòn, is very much the filial daughter who strives to be perfect in every sense which leaves no room for her wants and dreams until Vivi comes to the city. Vivi is a very bubbly personality full of curiosity and willingness to learn about her heritage. At first, there's a clash with Lan viewing Vivi with jealousy because of perceived freedom but eventually, the two grow together with Vivi encouraging Lan to go after her dreams and Lan helping Vivi with connecting to her roots.

The romance between the two narrating characters was also so cute. I was giggling and gasping whenever a new development was sprinkled in and I enjoyed how homophobia didn't become a subject at all. All the side characters hinted of approval and there were nudges and winks. The characters didn't need to come out or announce their relationship to everyone as well which honestly reflects how my friends and I approach dating. There is no need to make a relationship a serious focus in one's life which makes the quiet private moments between the two feel even cuter and grounded.

The story itself is so beautiful and heart-wrenching. Both main characters had relatable struggles of filial piety and self-discovery in connection to Vietnamese culture. On top of that, the descriptions of food ended up making me hungry every time I listened. The story was well-paced and was overall really satisfying to listen to from beginning to end.