Overview
An emotionally raw memoir about the crumbling of the American Dream and a daughter of refugees who searches for answers after her mother dies during plastic surgery.
Susan Lieu has long been searching for answers. About her familyās past and about her own future. Refugees from the Vietnam War, Susanās family escaped to California in the 1980s after five failed attempts. Upon arrival, Susanās mother was their savvy, charismatic North Star, setting up two successful nail salons and orchestrating every successāuntil Susan was eleven. That year, her mother died from a botched tummy tuck. After the funeral, no one was ever allowed to talk about her or what had happened.
For the next twenty years, Susan navigated a series of cascading questions aloneāwhy did the most perfect person in her life want to change her body? Why would no one tell her about her motherās life in Vietnam? And how did this surgeon, who preyed on Vietnamese immigrants, go on operating after her motherās death? Sifting through depositions, tracking down the surgeonās family, and enlisting the help of spirit channelers, Susan uncovers the painful truth of her mother, herself, and the impossible ideal of beauty.
The Manicuristās Daughter is much more than a memoir about grief, trauma, and body image. It is a story of fierce determination, strength in shared culture, and finding your place in the world.
This book title, The Manicurist's Daughter (A Memoir), ISBN: 9781250835055, by Susan Lieu, published by Celadon Books (April 29, 2025) is available in paperback. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
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