This is Souvankham Thammavongsa debute short stories; this remarkable collection of Loatian diaspora voices highlights the often unspoken stories which underlies grit, resilience and trauma which migration may bring up. Thammavongsa was born in a Loatian camp in Thailand, and grew up in Canada; she has published poetry collections before this collection.

There are many stunning stories, some of which really struck me
- How to pronounce knife: a young girl asks her Father for help with reading.
- Mani Pedi: a young man working at his sisters nail salon looks forward to his favourite client
- Chick-a-chee; childhood memories of Halloween
- A far distant thing: reminiscing on past friendships
- Picking worms: loyalty of a daughter, to her Mother.

Some of the stories bought up a depth of mixed emotions and memories which I thought I had previously buried. Some of the memories were hazy, but the emotions are still there. Many of the story characters have reverted to survival mode in their new surroundings, and speak little of their past lives, hopes and dreams. This is also a very familiar immigrant experience to me and my parents. There is a melancholic tone to all of the stories.

I thoroughly recommend this short collection to anyone who is open to a typically unseen experience.