This book begins as a straightforward narration and then the format shifts a little. It took some getting used to, but the more the shift persisted by appearing more frequently, the better it became. The format provided a depth that might have otherwise been absent in a single narration of a family who were torn apart when they made the decision to split up as they took boats to flee their country.

Three siblings are the only ones who arrived safely in Hong Kong and then are relocated. This book is written from the point of a narrator who interspersed her personal thoughts as she writes the contents which make up this book. The narrator’s connection to the central tale becomes more obvious towards the end.

Race is a discussion point, but like the other things that are in the story, does not take up the entire weight of the narrative. There are a lot of pieces, and the fact that normal is defined not by high achievements but just plain happiness was placed at the forefront.

I liked the writing style going in, but as I mentioned earlier, it was the small things that made it stand out for me. I would highly recommend this to anyone who finds the blurb interesting.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

DNF - Althought I was eager to read this book, it didn't end up working for me in the end. I'm sure there is an audience out there who will appreciate the story for all that it holds.

My favourite new read of 2023 - wonderfully paced, beautifully wrought and deeply moving.

A book I’ll recommend to everyone.

I'd say a 4.8!
The only reason why I won't go full 5 is because I wanted MORE! I was ready to read 700 pages, and I wish the author delved a bit more into each of characters' storylines. I understand she wanted to span a lifetime and show the ramifications of displacement and war in a concise way, but equally, I just wanted MORE. Maybe more substance. Some of the narration felt a bit observational. I would have like a bit more of Jane's point of view too (these chapters are so raw and visceral and heartbreaking) Loved the different formats and point of views that really tied all the loose ends and provided so much background context to the story. I highly recommend! Thanks Netgalley for the ARC :)

Immersed in the pages of "Wandering Souls," I grapple with the unimaginable emotions tied to the realization that one can never return to their cherished home—a sanctuary from the chaos of the outside world. The novel unfolds the poignant narrative of a family thrust into this heart-wrenching reality, a circumstance that not only disrupts their sense of belonging but also brings profound tragedy.

A forced journey to the United States becomes the only viable option, driven by the imminent danger faced if they were to remain in Vietnam. The initial voyage is undertaken by siblings Anh, sixteen years old, and her younger brothers Minh, thirteen, and Thanh, ten. The parents and four more siblings follow in another boat a few weeks later. However, as time unfolds, the stark truth emerges—the rest of the family has not made the perilous trip. The trio, then, navigates through refugee camps, and resettlement challenges, and eventually lands in the UK, a stark deviation from their intended destination of the United States.

In this foreign land, bereft of their parents and four siblings, Anh, Minh, and Thanh must carve out new lives amidst grief, trauma, and uncertainty. Cecile Pin's debut novel, "Wandering Souls," is a raw and emotional exploration of the profound human hardships and horrors that lurk behind the headlines. Through the lens of this family's journey, Pin unveils a narrative that goes beyond the news cycle, offering a stark portrayal of resilience amid the relentless challenges of displacement and loss.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Firstly there is something wrong with Netgalley when I have sent this book to Kindle but it disappears. I have read the book but I had to find it on an Audiobook through another service to do so. It is an extremely powerful book told through the voice of Ann the eldest sibling and the Ghostly appearances of Duk. It opens the reader's eyes to the reality of the evacuee - their lived life. I enjoyed the book

I feel inclined to give Cecile Pin’s debut novel five stars for three main reasons. One, it touches upon the highly relevant subject of migration, a problem that persists today with the increasing polarisation and conflicts in some parts of the world, such as Ukraine, Burma, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Kosovo, to note some, some of which have triggered cross-border movements and caused many people to be internally displaced. Two, it emphasises the unseen role of women in a nuclear family of migrants, as exemplified by what the character Anh experiences in this story, having to take care of her two younger brothers, Minh and Thanh, as the sole survivors of their family. Three, the novel is intricately structured yet enjoyable to digest, with a calculated pace that allows us to get intimate with the characters. Occasionally, Cecile Pin would voice out the sounds of the dead too, introducing us to the vignettes of Dao, Anh’s late younger brother who died along with the rest of her family members.

Cecile Pin's exploration of the theme of migration is not only timely but also deeply impactful. In a world rife with increasing polarisation and conflicts, her novel resonates with the realities faced by millions of people today. She deftly weaves together the experiences of characters who are forced to leave their homes in Vietnam in the late 1970s due to persecution faced by people who lack confidence in the communist government. Through the lens of her characters, Pin exposes the harsh realities of cross-border movements and the plight of displaced individuals, making her narrative both thought-provoking and relevant.

The novel also shines a much-needed spotlight on the often-overlooked role of women within migrant families. Anh, the central character, embodies the strength, resilience, and sacrifices made by women who find themselves in the heart of these upheavals. Her journey, marked by the responsibility of caring for her two younger brothers, Minh and Thanh, as the sole survivors of their family, is both heart-wrenching and inspirational from Kai Tak in Hong Kong to their resettlements in Sopley and then London in the UK. Cecile Pin's portrayal of Anh's character is a testament to the unspoken heroism of women in such circumstances, giving voice to their struggles and triumphs.

The novel's structure and pacing are nothing short of masterful. Cecile Pin's ability to craft an intricately structured narrative that remains eminently enjoyable is a testament to her storytelling prowess. She skillfully balances the dual task of allowing readers to intimately connect with her characters while maintaining a calculated pace that keeps the story engaging. Her use of vignettes, such as those featuring Dao, Anh's late younger brother, who communicates from beyond the grave, adds a hauntingly beautiful dimension to the narrative, underscoring the enduring impact of migration and loss.

It manages to shed light on the often-hidden strength of women in migrant families and deliver a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

This one fell so flat for me, it's not as vivid as I was hoping it would be, and the story didn't grasp me. I know it's loved by many though!

Thank you SO MUCH for this ARC :)

Absolutely stunning. A tale of family, survival and contrasts - from Vietnam through to Thatcher's Britain. Eye opening and beautifully written.

I can't even begin to imagine how it must feel to be faced with the fact that you can never return to your home. That most precious of places - a safe haven from all the madness that takes place in the big outside world. However, this is exactly what our family in Wandering Souls has to endure, not only that, but it also brings great tragedy in its wake.

A new life in the United States beckons, though not by choice. If this family stays in Vietnam, they are in serious danger. Siblings Sixteen-year-old Anh,and her brothers, thirteen year old Minh and ten year old Thanh are the first to embark on this perilous journey, with their parents and four remaining siblings to follow on another boat a few weeks later.

After some weeks it becomes clear that the rest of their family have not made the trip safely, and the three siblings have no option but to travel on to refugee camps, then onto resettlement camps, finally arriving in the UK and not the United States as they had planned.

They must build new lives in this strange country without their parents and their other four siblings.

This then is their story, as they work through their grief and trauma and uncertainty. This is Cecile Pin’s debut novel. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and highlights the horrors and human hardships behind the daily headlines.

A moving story about 3 children and the pain and turmoil they face once separated from their family. It was insightful and tragic with so much sorrow to know that families fleeing do not all reach their destination together.

I'm so pleased I picked up 'Wandering Souls' by Cecile Pin, and what a book it was! Moving from the start, a story with complex emotions and memories. A shorter novel than I usually read but, it really packed a punch. I found comfort in the viewpoints from those above who transcended this World. An interesting way to look at grief. Anh, Thanh and Minh flee their village in Vietnam one night whilst under attack. Anh and her two siblings board a separate boat to their parents and four siblings in search of a better life. Only Anh, Thanh and Minh make it. A truly heartbreaking history during Thatcher's time and a shambles of how poorly Britain handled Vietnamese refugees. An incredible read and one I wouldn't usually choose to read but, had heard so much about.

A heartbreaking yet heartwarming read of half a family’s horrifying journey from war-torn Vietnam to London via multiple refugee camps. I so felt for Anh, dealing with the deaths of her parents and other siblings, whilst doing her best for her two surviving brothers. I also really liked the ending and what the story was being used for. This certainly should have been shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023!

Wandering Souls is an emotional and very moving story of a family’s struggles. I enjoyed it and can recommend it. It’s a very accomplished first novel.

My thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read the book and share my review.

This is a haunting but special book. It has taken me a wee while after reading to write the book and it has really stuck with me. The writing is beautiful and I was really swept up in the story even though it broke my heart in places. I did not know much at all about the Vietnam war and this book really brought the horror to life. It's easy to see why this book was longlisted for the women's prize for fiction. I can't wait to read what the author writes next.

A deeply moving novel about displacement, immigration and grief. Pin's novel follows three siblings as the cross continents to escape war. Anh is still a child when she's is thrust into a parental role to two of her younger siblings. All alone on a journey with too many dangers for the small family, she must make the best for them, sacrificing much of herself along the way.

This deceptively short novel contains a great deal of beautiful and poignant observations. We watch as a family navigates the complexities of migration, not only from the bureaucracy of nations that say one thing and deliver another, but also of how to deal with the conflicting joys and terrors of newness.

There is even a mention of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and her assurances to refugees that she will do everything to support them and their families, while equally telling the British public that they surely would not want an immigrant family moving in next door to them.

The small moments of joy and love between the family in this book were beautifully observed and written, feeling like little rafts of humanity against a backdrop of an otherwise hostile sea.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A striking, compelling book. I was enthralled by this story of resilience, fortitude, family and discovery. It's so beautifully and creatively structured, and while matter of fact in its execution, it's deeply emotional. There are moments in this book that took my breath away, and I don't think I'll ever forget the sounds of wandering souls in the jungle, and the young soul that ties this novel together. I discovered this book via the Women's Prize longest and I'm once again so grateful for the exposure of awards. Perfect.

Anh's parents have decided to flee 1970s Vietnam and make their way to join her uncle in America. The plan is for 16 year old Anh and her two younger brothers Thanh (14), and Minh (10) to go first to Hong Kong and wait for their parents and other younger siblings to join them before embarking to USA. However tragedy strikes and only the first group of travellers make it. Anh finds herself the sole caretaker for the remaining family and the story develops over the years: adjusting to life in asylum seekers in Hong Kong and later in UK, before getting their new home and adjusting to migrant life. Dispersed throughout are other narratives, such as the ghost of their young brother Dao and a POV from a modern character looking back over the family's lives

Although a relatively short book, I was really swept up in the story. It was very poignant and emotional but wasn't just traumatic experiences after traumatic experiences. There's always some tension and issues but crucially some hope too. It is a partial retelling of Pin's mother's experiences and I think it does add to the authenticity of exploring what it's like to be a migrant and the trauma that can occur, you can tell a lot of research has gone into this. While I didn't mind that the narrative was split and told from a few different points of view, I wasn't overly keen in the inclusive of the American veterans who are very briefly in it. I understand they serve the purpose to explain Operation Wandering Souls but I think the information could have been relayed without them.

A compelling, impressive debut novel

The end of the Vietnam war and the fallout affected many many families. What better way to escape than to the land of big dreams, America.
Anh accompanied by her two brothers is sent as the advance party by her father, a new life beckons.
On arrival in Hong Kong they await the rest of their family., Anh is brave and stoic until life takes a wholly unexpected turn and she has to grow up faster than many of her own age.. England becomes their final destination, a country alien in both its weather and culture.
It was a novel filled with brutal emotion, of suppressed feelings and actions that are perceived to be the right thing to do.
It was humbling, insightful and brilliant.