The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui, the title reflects one of the main themes of this graphic memoir—a mother’s strength. Themes of family and intergenerational trauma can also be found.
Summary
In Thi Bui’s graphic memoir: The Best We Could Do, she recounts her family’s history in 10 chapters. Bui begins by reflecting in the first chapter about the birth of her son; she depicts how intense her labor was and the difficulties of taking care of her newborn son. (TW Bui does a great job of illustrating minimally what happened to her during labor yet I found myself struggling as I reflected on my own experiences of labor, which also involved an epidural.) Bui then interlaces her new found empathy for her mother with the history of her family.
Through the next 9 chapters Bui depicts how her parents each grew up individually, how they met, how her family grew up in Vietnam, how they survived as refugees, how they lived when they arrived in America, and the sacrifices her family made. Ultimately, Bui is telling the story of her parents in hopes of finding herself. She explains that she never felt connected to her parents as she would like to be; maybe by learning more about them and of Vietnam she could uncover what lies behind the “gray stillness” of her parents.
“ FAMILY is now something I have created-
-and not just something I was born into”
Bui pg 21
I gave The Best Could Do by Thi Bui 5 stars for the art, the structure, and it’s relatability. The pictures illustrated by Bui stand out from most graphic novels due to her minimalist style and color palette. Also the structure and relatability created a compelling, as well as, powerful, story.
The illustrations are minimal with only a peachy orange and gray to break the black lines. The minimalist approach compels the reader to pay more attention to what the author chooses to add color to. The lack of color also balances the strong actions that are sometimes depicted. If it was filled with too much color, it overwhelms the reader. The soft peach color to soften the blow of violence, which helps the reader continue reading.
Structurally, Bui is able to tell the readers a lot of the history of Vietnam during the 70’s. By detailing her parents separate childhoods, their meeting and how they survived together as a family. I appreciated how the author was able to balance different periods of time without making it too confusing by having one focus: the author and her thoughts as she contemplates family.
“ I have figured out, more or less, how to raise my little family…
but it’s being both a parent and a child without acting like a child, that eludes me”
Bui pg 29.
Lastly, the relatability to the author was a huge factor in why I liked this novel so much. The struggles of labor and of being a parent is so easily relatable that I found myself sympathizing with the author. You really don’t know anything when you become a mother. One can assume with all the books, doctor visits, countless media portrayals, and advice that there would a clue gained on how to be a mother. Despite this, when it’s comes time for delivery and aftermath, nothing could’ve prepared anyone.
Overall, 5 stars. I definitely recommend this book, with its beautiful illustrations and themes. I hope you check it out soon!