When Ky Tran finally returns home, it's for the funeral of her younger brother Danny, an awkward and straight-A student. In the Sydney suburb of Cabramatta, where refugees face political indifference, violent crimes, and a heroin epidemic, Danny was brutally murdered the night of his high school graduation celebration. Everyone at the scene claims to have seen nothing. But as a young journalist, grieving sister, and rule follower, Ky is determined to discover the truth of what transpired on that tragic night.

All That's Left Unsaid is a heart-breaking debut encompassing much more than a murder mystery but examines refugee diasporas, especially those affected by the Vietnam War. The book alternates between Ky's narration and the witnesses' POV; it is a slower-paced suspense that gives way to exploring the lives of poor immigrants and first-generation Vietnamese Australians. I love how Tracey Lien alternates between the POVs to paint a diverse picture of everyone in the community, from the parents' narration, the white teacher's perspective, to the first-generations' voices.

In particular, the paragraph about Ky's parents discussing what it means to give up everything in search of "a better future" when that future often means diminishing opportunities and poverty had me sobbing. Another passage that stands out to me is how these first-gen children are scared to talk about their experience of racism with their parents to validate that their parents' sacrifice "is worth it." Because if not, what was it all for?

All That's Left Unsaid is a fantastic debut about an area that seems to be crime-infested and drug-laced from an outsider's perspective, but encourages the readers to dig deeper to unearth the strength and love within the community.

Thank you to NetgGlley for the eARC.