The Book of Salt Book Review

The Book of Salt by Monique Truong

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I was really impressed by this book. Even though I couldn't really relate to the main character, a Vietnamese cook named Bình, on a personal level, I found his journey to thoroughly entrancing. What really made the book so good though was the writing. The entire book is infused with an acutely poetic sense. Sometimes the writing can be a little too ornate, but for the vast majority of the book the language was absolutely wonderful in describing the tiniest of details. A couple of my favorites were: "Her eyes were brown with ripples of sand inside" and "My French is clipped and jagged, an awkward careless collection, a blind man's home, a drunk man's stumbled steps. We will throw all our words onto the table and and find those saturated with meaning."

Another unique thing about the book is the sort of nonlinear, trickle effect manner in which we're given the plot and information about the characters. Normally, I don't really care this technique as it's often taken too far - as was the case with Dogeaters - but it worked well here. I even think it's necessary for us to be able to understand Bình's character, one that isn't straightforward nor, what most would consider, normal.

As far as the plot itself is concerned, this is a story about Bìhn, a Vietnamese cook employed by Gertrude Stein and Alice B Toklas in Paris, and his search for home, a reconciliation with his past, and the betrayals that he faces. I didn't know much about Gertrude Stein and it didn't hamper my appreciation of the story, but I'm sure people who know more about her would find it all the more interesting.

On a side note, this is not a book to read when you're hungry. Food is constantly described and if you're anything like me, you'll find yourself constantly reaching for the cupboard while reading this!

Overall, I found this to be a very enjoyable read and I think it's the perfect summer read for any adult or young-adult to sit down to and just enjoy its beauty.



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