There were a dozen witnesses to Denny Tran’s brutal murder in a busy Sydney restaurant. So how come no one saw anything?
‘Just let him go.’ Those are words Ky Tran will forever regret. The words she spoke when her parents called to ask if they should let her younger brother Denny out to celebrate his high school graduation. That night in 1996, Denny – optimistic, guileless, brilliant Denny – is brutally murdered inside a busy restaurant in Cabramatta, a Sydney suburb facing violent crime, an indifferent police force, and the worst heroin epidemic in Australian history.
Returning home for the funeral, Ky learns that the police are stumped by her brother’s case: several people were at Lucky 8 restaurant when Denny died, but each of the bystanders claim to have seen nothing.
As an antidote to grief and guilt, Ky is determined to track down the witnesses herself. With each encounter, she peels away another layer of the place that shaped her and Denny,exposing the trauma and seeds of violence that were planted well before that fateful celebration dinner: by colonialism, by the war in Vietnam,and by the choices they’ve all made to survive.
Tracey Lien’s extraordinary debut pulls apart the intricate bonds of friendship, family, culture and community that produced a devastating crime. All That’s Left Unsaid is both a study of the effects of inherited trauma and social discrimination, and a compulsively readable literary thriller that expertly holds the reader in its grip until the final page.
Read some great 5-Star reviews from our Preview readers here:
‘All That’s Left Unsaid’ is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Lien has intertwined her characters’ lives to create a narrative that captures the ups and downs of life, the aftermath of grief and the complicated journey that many refugees faced during the 1990s. I loved the use of multiple and unique perspectives, the unfolding of the mystery, and the honesty and diversity of the family relationships. The story blends a fictional Cabramatta with its past and I have gained a new understanding and new knowledge during my reading. 10/10 would recommend. Rachel, QLD, 5 Stars
What an amazing journey back to my high school days. Loved the memories it brought back. Excellently written book. Look forward to more by Tracey Lien. Andrea, VIC, 5 Stars
I have complicated feelings about this book. It was gripping and engaging, and the characters were interesting and complex; but I’m not sure that I can say that I ‘enjoyed’ reading it, because it was also tragic and heartbreaking on so many levels. It is definitely a beautiful and poignant book, and I would recommend people read it, but be ready for some heartache about the realities of life for people who feel like they need to somehow be superhuman, to deserve a place at the table. Tracey, NSW, 5 Stars
There’s something very special about Tracey Lien’s debut novel “All that’s left unsaid” On one hand it is heartbreaking, full of loss and violence while on the other it is brave, full of love and has left a profound impact on me since the final pages. Seemingly a murder mystery on the surface, the novel is set during 1996 in Cabramatta, Sydney, where high school graduate Denny Tran is brutally murdered inside the Lucky 8 restaurant. Written predominantly from the perspective of his older sister Ky, it switches between members of the community, the potential witnesses to the crime as she embarks on her own investigation to uncover the facts. While the book explores themes of violence, drugs and gang culture, it also addresses the fragility of a grieving family, how much the past shapes the present and racial discrimination. I would highly recommend Lien’s book, it is my favourite read for 2022 so far! Rory, NSW, 5 Stars
I was intrigued by this book set in Cabramatta NSW among the Vietnamese as I have had little to no experience with people from Vietnam. It was like introducing me to a whole new world. The language used made it easy to imagine I was there – the broken English, use of the word “naughty” by Ky’s mother to describe almost anything or anyone unsavoury, and the almost perpetual sadness and the resignation of the people who fled Vietnam with their families. The racism they were subjected to was realistic and made me very uncomfortable. I liked the Vietnamese words interspersed through the book but a glossary at the back would have been helpful. Cynthia, VIC, 5 Stars
Tracey Lien writes an intense and compelling story in All That’s Left Unsaid. Her writing captures youth culture well and teaches the reader something about gang culture as well. I found her insights into Vietnamese culture illuminating, particularly the parenting style. For all my mother’s faults it made me grateful that she wasn’t also Vietnamese! Tracey’s character development was excellent – I created a clear picture of each of her characters in my mind. This book was such an enjoyable read. Joanne, QLD, 5 Stars
An insightful debut novel providing the reader with a journey seeking the truth behind a crime. The author carefully weaves the story with the introduction of each protagonist by providing a full character background and development. Set with the Vietnamese cultural background providing a very confronting account of the cultural expectations and struggles of first and second generation Vietnamese refugees in Australia. A very thought provoking novel. Lyn, NSW, 5 Stars
All that’s left Unsaid is a beautiful and deeply moving book. A story of profound grief and love. It explores the bonds and ties of culture, family and friendship. It is harrowing to read at times. The main protagonist Ky reminds me of myself growing up in Australia and caught between two cultures and never really fitting in anywhere. I loved this book. I can’t recommend it enough! Litsa, VIC, 5 Stars
As a person with a multi-cultural background (although not Vietnamese), I found this story quite relatable. Particularly when the author was describing Ky’s home life and her parents. The story grabbed my attention from the start and was a well balanced read. It gave insight into the lives and expectations of refugees and the racism faced when living their new ‘lucky’ life. Thank you to Better Reading for the opportunity to read and review this book. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Angela, QLD, 5 Stars
All That’s Left Unsaid is an outstanding debut novel. From the first chapter the reader is transported into 1990s Cabramatta where we follow the Tran family and the aftermath of Denny Tran’s brutal murder. It’s compelling and suspenseful in a non-linear narrative and through the Tran family and their wider community, it explores refugee experiences in Australia and the effects of intergenerational trauma on families. Importantly it explores the experiences of children of refugee families navigating school and work. I found the use of multiple perspectives of Ky, her family members and the witnesses to the murder to be powerful and engaging. It is both a heartbreaking and hopeful story and an important one which should be widely read. Holly, WA, 5 Stars
‘All That’s Left Unsaid’ is one of the best books I have read for some time. Hooked from the beginning, I followed the lead character’s quest for knowledge and understanding about her brother’s death. Set in a suburb filled with a Vietnamese refugee culture, Tracey Lien explores the cultural challenges experienced at that time whilst also immersing the reader on a journey from childhood to adulthood, grief and love. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Lisha, WA, 5 Stars
This novel begins with the tragic death of Denny on his high school graduation night which is supposed to be an innocent dinner out at the Lucky 8 restaurant. Older sister Ky a journalist returns from Melbourne seeking answers. There are a lot of descriptive backstories and characters entwined that lead to the truth. Family, friends, guilt and drama are explored in Tracey Lien’s debut novel All that’s left unsaid. The last chapter felt like a new beginning full of hope. This book will stay with me for some time. I’m looking forward to reading what’s next from this author. Emma, WA, 5 Stars
All That’s Left Unsaid is a raw account of Ky Tran’s determination to find out the details of her brother’s death. It was compulsive reading and explored crime and survival in Cabramatta by the Vietnamese community. I really felt Ky’s frustration throughout as she fought police indifference to find the truth. Kelly, QLD, 5 Stars
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. It was not a thriller but it was certainly a page turner. It was beautifully written and the author Tracey Lien’s debut novel. I do hope we read more of her books. I found it fascinating to read about life in Cabramatta and the problems that refugees face. It was certainly a sad book but one that I am very glad I read and I would highly recommend it to everyone. Eileen, NSW, 5 Stars
All That’s Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien is truly one of the best books I have read this year. I wanted to know more about the lives of the characters and couldn’t put the book down. There are many topics and themes that I think would make great open discussions for young adolescents. The author writes deeply about the effects of family, friendship, grief, culture, social discrimination and migration to Australia. The main protagonist, Ky Tran, is a strong character who depicts these topics and themes perfectly throughout the novel. Ky is struggling to confront the pain she feels inside of the loss of her younger brother Denny. Having been brutally murdered on the night of his graduation, the only way for Ky to move forward is to find the witnesses and understand what happened to Denny. As the reader we get snapshots of the witnesses account and the story behind Denny’s murder. I loved the final pages of this novel. An emotional finale that ties in so well with the rest of the story as it brings closure to the Tran family. I highly recommend this debut novel and will be enthusiastically looking out for new books by this author. Raffaela, VIC, 5 Stars
Wow! An amazingly written debut novel. All That’s Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien is a captivating novel which I could not put down and left me in tears. Set in the 90’s, this story captures the Vietnamese culture, close friendship, family, the hardship of struggling to fit in following immigration to Australia, all tied up with an unexplained murder. Ky is left bewildered and shocked at the unexpected murder of her well behaved, high-achieving brother. On a mission to find out what truly happened that unforgettable night, she aims to come to the truth by performing her own investigations. Set in Cabramatta, where drugs and gangs are on the rise, Ky ultimately comes to terms of what unfolded. While she goes about her search, many childhood memories come to the surface. What I loved the most is how real and honest the portrayal of the characters were. I have to say, this novel is one that will stick in my mind and want to keep recommending. One of my highlight novels this year for me. Julie, VIC, 5 Stars
This book had me completely engrossed from start to finish. By the end of the book I felt that through the life of Ky I was much more culturally informed about the lives, customs and experiences of Vietnamese immigrants in Australia. The book opened my eyes to the raw and real issues experienced by second generation Vietnamese children on the streets of Cabramatta. I felt like a fly on the wall with the turning of every page. I wanted to tell Ky and Denny just how great they were. I wanted to go with Minnie to see what the naughty kids were getting up to. I wanted to provide a young Thien with the stability he needed. This book tugged at all the heart strings I didn’t know I had. Highly recommended. Romina, VIC, 5 Stars
In this impressive fictional debut novel, the author Tracey Lien gives us insight into the pressures and forces operating on the different generations in a Vietnamese immigrant family living in Cabramatta Sydney where drugs are rampant and whites are in the minority. We learn of their fears, hopes, habits and superstitions. The author does not condone wrongful actions or negate individual responsibility but is sympathetic to their different situations and their demons. (“You can’t be everything for everyone. People make their own choices, no matter what you do.”) Through the main protagonist Ky, the murdered 17yr old boy’s sister, who by default investigates why no one talks after his tragic death, the reader gains understanding of the different cultural expectations and realities of both white and Vietnamese communities and how difficult it can be for immigrants to feel accepted and belong. It left me anguished over the what might have been for Ky and her friend Minnie and indeed the fate of the dead boy Denny. The consequences that could result from an unloved childhood are also faced and what might alleviate this is also raised. In seeing similar patterns play out in new generations of immigrants from Africa, we are left with a final appeal to our common humanity for clearer understanding to create a better world and more wisdom to avoid the mistakes of the past. I recommend this book as a good whodunit and social commentary through the experience of one family who feels so real. I would rate it 8/10. Fran, VIC, 5 Stars
This was outstanding, and it’s a hugely important story to tell! It is a gripping and vivid novel of life in Cabramatta, the Vietnamese refugee experience in 90s Sydney. It has a murder mystery at its heart which will grip you to the core and tug on your heartstrings. There are no leads and no suspects and the brutal senselessness in the way the victim meets their death may haunt you. A unique highlight that I appreciated of this book is how much it reveals about the Vietnamese-Australian community. It offers windows into other people’s culture. Tracey Lien has created a beautiful exploration of home, self worth, family ties, and the long lasting effects of war, all within the shocking guise of a murder mystery investigation. Samantha, QLD, 5 Stars
I was lucky to receive a free copy of the book ‘All That’s Left Unsaid’ by Tracey Lien as part of the Better Reading Preview selection. It grabbed me from the first page when the protagonist, Ky, related how she described the pronunciation of her name by telling how she kept correcting her Maths teacher at school…who kept mispronouncing it. This is a moving account of how she doggedly pursues finding about the truth behind her brother’s violent murder inside a busy restaurant in Cabramatta. She peels back layers of trauma that shaped both her, her family and community. It lays out social discrimination and difficulties dealing with family. So very, very good. Jane, NSW, 5 Stars
All That’s Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien, is an evocative, family snapshot into the lives of the Vietnamese community in Cabramatta, western Sydney, in the 90s; of inherited trauma and social discrimination It explores the bonds of family, friendship and community… of love, obligation and guilt. I found this story profoundly moving, gripping, tender and heartbreaking to the final page. It’s an extraordinary work of fiction. I loved it and have already given my copy to someone who is very keen to read it. Nell, NSW, 5 Stars
It was Vietnam Veteran’s remembrance in Queensland a few days ago and my mind has been completely distracted by this compelling and heartbreaking debut novel by Tracey Lien. All That’s Left Unsaid is a layered tale of inherited trauma and social discrimination in the Vietnamese refugee community of the 90s following a brutal student murder in Cabramatta Sydney. Exposing the violence of the suburb through the trauma of colonialism, and what they all had to do to survive and block out the after-effects from the Vietnam War. This book is a must for every book club. I feel seen. This book gave me a strong surprising emotional reaction at the end. Preeya, QLD, 5 Stars
This is a truly powerful story that grabbed me from the start and didn’t let go. Ky Tran tells her over-protective parents to let her younger brother Denny go out and celebrate with friends after his high school graduation. What could possibly go wrong? As their only son, and their only child born in Australia, Denny’s parents want him to have every opportunity that they never had. Denny is intelligent, caring and looking forward to moving onto the next stage of his life when he is brutally murdered at his graduation dinner. Ky takes it upon herself to investigate Denny’s murder due to the disinterest of local police. The book explores the relationships Ky has with her family and friends and daily life for people living in 1996 Cabramatta. This book discusses the reality of life in Australia for Vietnamese refugees and their offspring, which can be hard to hear at times, and is unputdownable. I loved it. Jodi, QLD, 5 Stars
This book was such a beautiful yet heartbreaking story that really hit me hard. The sense of community, family and grief really came through with the intricate detail in the writing. I felt very connected to the main character and her connections to her homeland and the struggles she was facing. It was really nice to read a story set in Australia and feel close to the country and the common locations and made it an instant page turner. The main character had her own flaws that made them so much more relatable and leaves you with a lasting impression on what the ending truly meant for her and the people affected. It had so many different themes of love, loss and mystery and the great element of true crime that made each chapter more compelling than the last. Also, the writing was so simple and not too complicated that made reading the novel so easy and not overly descriptive that can really derail the reader. It was a touching and heartfelt story and got me hooked instantly by the first paragraph and honestly, I wanted a sequel to the book to see the next journey of the characters’ stories. Daniela, NSW, 5 Stars
Firstly, I’d like to thank Better Reading for giving me the opportunity to read this novel. ‘All That’s Left Unsaid’, is beautifully written. Reading it left me in a quiet place with lots to think about. The story is set in Cabramatta, Australia in the 1990’s and gives us a bird’s eye view into the lives of Vietnamese refugees who had been resettled here. Tracey has given us wonderful characters who navigate through racism, domestic violence, drugs, poverty, families, different cultures and at its centre, love and heart breaking tragedy. Basically ‘a who done it’, this novel has a predictable ending. I thought it should’ve finished at Chapter 12 with everything tied up nicely. I thought an extra chapter was too much but after reading Chapter 13 (twice) this was the best ending the novel could have had. I absolutely loved this extremely well written, easy to read and thought provoking novel. Sharon, ACT, 5 Stars
An amazing debut got hooked on the first page and couldn’t put it down, highly recommended. Angela, NSW, 5 Stars
This story is every migrant’s story, it provides the perspectives of many different migrants on their journey’s in Australia. The struggles of language barriers, identity, assimilation and racism as they just try to fit it. This is also a story about coming-of-age, the children of migrants having to grow up quickly and being their family’s source of access to the wider world. The deep sense of responsibility on the children from a young age to do better and be better than their parents not only comes from the family but what they put on themselves. I absolutely loved how inherently Australian this book was, it was a crash course in Australian culture. From the references (Woolies, Comm Bank and Lee Lin Chin) to the little anecdotes (stopping at the Big Banana on the way to the Gold Coast), these are some things only Aussie kids would understand and which deeply resonated with me. The major themes were friendship, family, struggle, survival, as well as sub-themes of academic pressure, drug abuse and domestic violence. I highly enjoyed this book and can confidently say it’s one of the best books I’ve read. Astha, VIC, 5 Stars
Just because we’re not perfect doesn’t mean we’re bad -Eddie This book had guts, It was looking at me unflinching. We’re called the lucky country but only to a select few. Cabramatta is a place that has been polarised for decades, you know of it, you know stories from there. It is without a doubt 5 stars top of the top books I’ve ever read, I finished it with tears in my eyes wanting to start it all over again. Tracey Lien has taken us on this epic journey with such heart and care. It’s so worth every heartbreaking moment… Rae, NSW, 5 Stars
This was an intense read – I loved it from start to finish. Tracey Lien has the ability to paint the scenes so vividly and then bring all her characters to life. I felt I was inside the heads of all of them and understood their grief and anguish. Hopes and dreams. Stress and pressures. Tracey described the plight of the refugees and the different plight of their children so well. Touching on politics and police and the drug scene, but keeping it powerfully personal. Winding a crime throughout the story was very cleverly orchestrated. This story will stay with me and I look forward to more novels by this author. Joy, VIC, 5 Stars
Well written by an author who puts herself into a lot of different places/characters. Great empathy and understanding of character(s). An exciting novel to read!