Red Thread: Poems

by Teresa Mei Chuc, Teresa Mei Chuc

This collection of poems is largely autobiographical, telling the turning points in a life that began in war-torn Vietnam. Somehow, unlike many, Teresa and her family survived, although her parents were separated for a long time. She and her mother escaped Vietnam in a ship crowded with hungry, sick, and frightened immigrants, and in time they settled in California, bringing with them their nightmares, their memories, their history and culture. Family is a recurring and insistent theme in this book. Teresa devotes her art to her grandmother, her mother, her brother, her sons. Especially important is the relationship of mother and daughter.

Genres: Poetry

80 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2012

Reviews

[P. Flaherty Pagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous, love-filled, haunting book. It is lush poetry about motherhood, family and the legacy of the Vietnam war. “Hugging my Grandma” & “Cockroaches” are worth the cost of the book on their own.

[Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and incredible poetry that really showcases the author’s experiences and that speaks more broadly to being a writer and person amidst violence.

[Jonah Kruvant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fine work from a talented young writer.

[Mia Siegert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, heartbreaking, beautiful, hopeful.

[Tamryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each poem: a feather that weighs more than an elephant.