Souvankham Thammavongsa
Souvankham Thammavongsa is a Canadian poet and author known for her award-winning works, including the short story collection 'How to Pronounce Knife,' which won the 2020 Giller Prize. Her writing often explores themes of identity, family, and the immigrant experience.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
-
1. Pick A Color
Ning, a retired boxer who works in a nail salon under the name Susan, spends a single summer day tending to clients while watching the patterns of her work and the people around her. Quietly observant and sharply drawn, the story follows her navigation of anonymity, class, and the complicated ties with coworkers and customers, exploring identity, labor, and longing without revealing key plot details.
The 12181st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
2. Journey
Celebrating the Journey Prize – Selected Stories 1989–2023
The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. How To Pronounce Knife
This collection of short stories delves into the lives of Lao immigrants navigating the complexities of identity, belonging, and cultural dissonance in their new home. Through a series of poignant and often humorous narratives, the characters grapple with the challenges of language barriers, familial expectations, and the pursuit of the elusive American dream. Each story offers a glimpse into the intimate moments of struggle and resilience, painting a vivid picture of the immigrant experience with empathy and insight.
Purchase from Bookshop.org