Summer Rolls

SUMMER ROLLS is a poignant exploration of intergenerational trauma and its impact on familial bonds, thoughtfully illuminating the Vietnamese refugee crisis of the 70s and 80s. With nuance and compassion, it examines the delicate balance between independence and empathy, leaving a lasting impression of the quiet resilience often embodied by mothers. * Warona Jay, author of THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS *
Beautiful poetic work, filled with a mother’s love and life force on every page. A story that crosses generations and continents. Of perilous journeys, haunted histories and hopeful futures. The story of this family is a window into the story of many many others. As a South Asian woman, this resonated with me deeply and it is a universal story of mothers and daughters, buried family secrets and intergenerational trauma and healing. It stays with you and you want to go back and read it again and feel the world between the sentences. I was transported through the voices of Mai and Trinh and could feel their connection even when they were unable to express it. Food as love, solace and sustenance was a powerful image in the writing that every immigrant will relate to. A gift of a book. * Sudha Bhuchar *
Tuyen’s writing is visceral and lucid. She deftly weaves the past with the present, creating an intricate tapestry of family life that somehow survives under the constant threat of destruction. I hurtled towards the end and was captivated throughout by the family drama. * Huma Qureshi, author of THINGS WE DO NOT TELL THE PEOPLE WE LOVE *
A visceral, heartfelt multi-decade account that smashes the expectations of the immigrant and refugee narratives with nuance and complexity. Having already rendered this story beautifully on stage, Tuyen Do takes it to the next level in novel form, opening out the world of these characters and layering in the complicated history of the Vietnam War. An exciting, urgent voice that demands to be heard. * Jeremy Tiang, author of STATE OF EMERGENCY *

Tuyen Do is a British East Asian writer and actor. She has been part of the Royal Court’s studio writing group, Tamasha Playwrights, and Bristol Old Vic’s open session writers’ programme. Her debut play ‘Summer Rolls’ was performed at the Park Theatre and Bristol Old Vic. Much of her creative work stems from her British Vietnamese roots.

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