Afterparties

A debut story collection about Cambodian-American life that is immersive, comic and unsparing, So’s work stands out with a distinctive, mellifluous voice that is streetwise, brash, cynical yet bighearted. The stories move between tender moments and sharp humor as they reimagine life in California, acknowledging the weight of Khmer Rouge history while exploring race, sexuality, friendship and family. This collection has earned significant critical recognition, including the John Leonard Prize at the National Book Critics Circle Awards and the Ferro-Grumley Award for LGBTQ Fiction. It has also been highlighted as a notable read by major outlets and book clubs, resonating with readers beyond its pages. Veasna So’s storytelling intertwines intimate detail with broad social insight, delivering a powerful introduction to Cambodian-American experiences.

The book chronicles how the children of refugees carve out new paths in the Central Valley, balancing ancestral memory with modern ambitions. Moments range from poignant to absurd, including a high school badminton coach chasing glory, two brothers at a wedding afterparty plotting mischief, and a queer love story between a tech entrepreneur and a teacher, all anchored by a compassionate gaze toward immigrant communities.

Kenmerken

• Debuutverzameling over Cambodian-Amerikaanse leven
• Immersieve, komische en onvervalste stem
• Verhalen in Californië, immigrant ervaringen centraal
• Bekroond met John Leonard Prize en Ferro-Grumley Award
• Distinctieve, milde brutale toon; cynisch én warm
• Aanbevolen door Roxane Gay’s Audacious Book Club; brede erkenning

• 260 pagina’s; paperback-uitgave bij Atlantic Books