Nora Nguyen on Cultural Representation in Romance
I chatted with the debut romance author on why she felt compelled to write a love story set in Vietnam.
When I was first pitched Adam & Evie’s Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen, what caught my attention wasn’t the fact that it was billed as an enemies-to-lover romance (one of my favorite tropes) or even that Nora was being likened to Carley Fortune and Abby Jimenez (both fantastic authors). It was the fact that the story takes place in Vietnam. In all my years of reading romance, I have never once read a book that takes place in Vietnam. Crazy, right?
After reading the book, I can say that the setting is only one element of the Asian cultural experience that Nora captured so well. As I mentioned in my September book recs, her writing is evocative and descriptive, and her story prominently features themes of cultural identity and familial expectations that I think many Asians and Asian Americans can relate to — I certainly did. I had the opportunity to chat with her about some of these themes and our conversation did not disappoint! Read about why she prioritizes writing about her heritage, her hope for how AAPI storytelling can continue to evolve, and the one must-see sight if you’re traveling to Vietnam.
New Romantics Book Club: I know you’re an avid romance reader, and it was only a matter of time until you wrote your own romance book. Why do you love reading romance?
Nora Nguyen: I am indeed a huge lover of romance! I was insatiable for romance novels growing up and it was one of the only genres I could read while in my postpartum brain fuzz. It holds a really special place in my heart. What I love most about romance is the hopefulness inherent in each love story. I’m a child of divorce and have seen my share of unhappy relationships in my own past, but I always knew that there were joyful stories out there, ones that were characterized by butterflies and commitment, banter and warmth. Romance gave me a way to channel my yearning!
NRBC: I love that! What compelled you to write a romance novel? Why now, and why not as your debut novel? (Editor’s note: Nora Nguyen is the pen name of author
, whose first book, Banyan Moon, debuted last year.)NN: When I think of what I want to write next, it’s not so much about the genre but the story that comes to me. Banyan Moon came to me at the time when my agent found me, so it ended up being my first published novel. But the first novel I ever wrote was a romance about a ghostwriter and a Bachelor-style reality show star; that one hadn’t found an agent, unfortunately. Then, during the pandemic, I began to long for travel and, in particular, travel to Việt Nam. I wanted experiences that felt exciting and lush, full of yearning and delicious moments of romance. It was, I think, a reaction to being confined in my home! My daydreaming turned into Adam & Evie’s Matchmaking Tour!
NRBC: For the record, I would 100% read a book about a ghostwriter and a reality TV star. Were there any romance movies or books you researched or perhaps revisited in preparation for writing yours?
NN: I love a romantic comedy! Of course, I leaned on the usual favorites like When Harry Met Sally and The Notebook for dialogue and setting. I also loved the travel-themed romances like Under the Tuscan Sun and especially Crazy Rich Asians, which celebrates such incredible sights and flavors in Singapore. I’m just a fan of nuanced love stories with flawed characters you can’t help rooting for.
NRBC: While your two books are very different, one thing they both have in common is that they take place in Vietnam. As a Vietnamese American woman, I was especially excited to read this one! Why is it important to you to represent the country in your work?
NN: I’m so glad you were excited to read! I was born in Việt Nam and I’ve traveled back a few times, but I — like many second-generation kids — often felt isolated from the culture of my homeland. Though I speak Vietnamese, I’m by no means fluent, and I can’t read or write very well in Vietnamese. Yet my family always instilled the importance of heritage, so in a way, these novels — and likely any I will write from here on out — are a way of reclaiming that which could have slipped through my fingers entirely. By researching Việt Nam’s history, language, and culture, I bring myself closer to my past. It’s a gift and an honor to be able to do this work.
NRBC: Speaking of culture, let’s chat more about representation in romance! The very first AAPI author I read was Helen Hoang and I’m so glad that we have more authors on the scene now who are giving voice to the Asian American experience. We’ve come a long way, but still have work to do. What do you love about how Asian culture and experiences are being represented in books and what do you think could be improved?
NN: Helen Hoang was the first AAPI romance author I read, too! I’m really grateful that the community has expanded and that there are so many stories being told within the Asian American community. I hope that we continue to go deeper into what drives us, to question stereotypes, and to interrogate our own intentions as writers (and readers). I will say that readers can usually detect when the writing feels insincere or placating, which encourages me to try to find the truest and most nuanced way to tell a story, while still making it an entertaining experience for readers.
NRBC: What are some elements about Vietnam that you wanted to highlight in your story?
NN: Well, of course, the food is highly important 😉. I say that jokingly, because I come from such a long line of fantastic cooks and food has always been our chosen love language. I went on a couple tours of Việt Nam in my twenties and wanted to find a way to bring the gorgeous sights I encountered to life for readers who haven’t been. But what was most crucial for me was finding a way to highlight the long and complicated past of the country. It’s a land of survivors, with a deep connection to national identity and community. Sometimes, as tourists, we only see the beautiful and bucolic images; but I never want to forget the history that runs through the country.
NRBC: One of the biggest points of tension between Evie and Adam is their cultural differences — she’s American and he’s Vietnamese. I think a lot of Asian readers, myself included, can relate to what Adam experiences in terms of familial expectations and the need for success. Why did you want to play up these differences?
NN: I don’t think we ever really outgrow our need to prove ourselves to our parents. One of the loveliest and most challenging parts of Asian culture can be the deep family ties. It can be hard to find your own identity when you’re so inextricably linked to familial expectations. In a way, this book is also a coming-of-age story for both Adam and Evie. They grapple with their ambitions and desires, even as they struggle to define those within the context of their larger family systems.
NRBC: What are some of your favorite tropes, either to read about in other romances or to write about yourself?
NN: Enemies to lovers, all the way! I also love a second-chance moment. My next novel is a second-chance romance set in a beautiful beachside town with a host of kooky side characters. But that book also shares a throughline with my other books, in that it dives deep into family dynamics and the tension between desire and expectations. I can’t wait to share it with you all!
NRBC: And I can’t wait to read it! Who are some other AAPI romance authors you recommend?
NN: Well, Helen Hoang, definitely; I hope she writes a new book soon! Lauren Kung Jessen writes the sweetest romances with such interesting hooks. Amy Lea and Sara Desai are lovely writers. And Jesse Sutanto is unfailingly hilarious.
NRBC: Lastly, I’m going to Vietnam for the first time later this year and can’t wait to experience some of the places Evie and Adam toured in the book! If you had to pick one thing I absolutely must do on my trip, what would it be?
NN: I’m so happy you’re going! I hope you have a lovely time. I think the waterfalls in Đà Lạt are extraordinary; a one-of-a-kind sight! Send us pictures from your travels!
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