Afterparties
Afterparties
Book Brief
Beta272
Short Story • Fiction
California • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In the short story collection Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So, Cambodian American characters navigate life in California. Through stories like "Three Women of Chuck’s Donuts" and "Superking Son Scores Again," the book explores themes of identity, family, and resilience in the wake of historical trauma, blending humor and poignant reflections on the immigrant experience.
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Emotional
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
15,049 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Anthony Veasna So's Afterparties has been lauded for its vibrant storytelling and deep exploration of Cambodian-American identity. Critics appreciate the humor and emotional depth, though some feel the collection's pacing varies. The characters' complexity and authentic voices stand out as highlights, providing a poignant and engaging read overall.
Who Should Read Afterparties?
Readers who enjoy Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So likely appreciate contemporary short stories that explore the Cambodian-American experience. They may also enjoy works like The Refugees by Viet Thanh Nguyen, which similarly delves into immigrant narratives with humor and poignancy.
15,049 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Afterparties is a debut collection by Anthony Veasna So, who was praised as a significant new voice for capturing the Cambodian-American experience prior to his untimely death at the age of 28.
The book's publication in August 2021 marked a posthumous celebration of So's literary talent, leading to widespread acclaim and a Pulitzer Prize nomination for Fiction in 2022.
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Anthony Veasna So drew inspiration from his own life, being a queer Cambodian-American, and his work seeks to explore and reflect on the complexities of identity and family within the Cambodian diaspora.
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272
Short Story • Fiction
California • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
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