The Turtle House (Amanda Churchill)

In "The Turtle House," author Vanessa Hua crafts a poignant tale spanning generations and continents, as grandmother Mineko and granddaughter Lia navigate the complexities of family, identity, and love.

Set against the backdrop of late 1990s small-town Texas and pre-World War II Japan, the novel follows Lia and Mineko as they grapple with life-altering events and buried secrets. Despite their differences, the two women forge a deep connection as they share late-night conversations and untangle the threads of their intertwined pasts.

As Mineko recounts her early life in Japan and the heartbreaks she endured, Lia gains a newfound understanding of her grandmother's resilience and sacrifice. Meanwhile, Lia confronts her own uncertainties, including the career she abandoned and the mysterious man from her past.

Together, Mineko and Lia embark on a journey to reclaim a lost place of significance, seeking solace and belonging in the face of familial upheaval. Their story is a testament to the enduring power of intergenerational friendship and the search for home in the midst of loss.

With grace and empathy, "The Turtle House" illuminates the hidden lives we lead and the bonds that sustain us through life's trials. Hua's debut novel is a moving exploration of love, forgiveness, and the quest for belonging that will resonate with readers long after the final page.