Skip to Content

The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui: Allegory Explained

Thi Bui’s graphic memoir, “The Best We Could Do,” is a poignant and powerful story of family, identity, and the impact of war. The book chronicles Bui’s parents’ lives in Vietnam and their eventual escape to the United States as refugees. Through a series of flashbacks and reflections, Bui explores the complexities of her family’s history and the ways in which it has shaped her own sense of self.

A small boat sails across a vast, stormy sea, with a family huddled together, bracing against the wind and waves

At its core, “The Best We Could Do” is an allegory for the struggles faced by refugees and immigrants around the world. Bui’s family’s experiences are emblematic of the challenges that many families face when forced to flee their homes and start anew in a foreign land. However, the book also speaks to broader themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in the face of adversity. Through her powerful storytelling and evocative artwork, Bui invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and to empathize with those who have faced similar struggles.

Overall, “The Best We Could Do” is a moving and thought-provoking work that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of hardship. Whether you are a fan of graphic novels, interested in refugee stories, or simply looking for a powerful and engaging read, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Author Background: Thi Bui

A family of four stands in front of a boat, surrounded by a war-torn landscape. The parents hold their children close, with a sense of determination and hope in their eyes

Thi Bui is a Vietnamese-American graphic novelist and illustrator, born in 1975 in Saigon, Vietnam. She immigrated to the United States with her family in 1978, settling in California. Bui’s family history and experiences as a refugee have heavily influenced her work as a writer and artist.

Bui has an MFA in Comics from the California College of the Arts and has taught illustration and comics at the university level. She has also worked as a freelance illustrator and has contributed to various publications, including The New Yorker and The Nib.

Bui’s debut graphic novel memoir, “The Best We Could Do,” was published in 2017 and has received critical acclaim. The book explores her family’s journey from war-torn Vietnam to their new lives in America, and the lasting effects of displacement on a child and her family. Bui’s illustrations and storytelling skillfully convey the emotional depth and complexity of her family’s experiences.

In addition to her work as a graphic novelist, Bui is also a co-founder of the Diasporic Vietnamese Artists Network, a collective of Vietnamese artists and writers. Through her work, Bui aims to explore and document the experiences of Vietnamese refugees and immigrants, and to give voice to their stories.

Overview of ‘The Best We Could Do’

A family fleeing war, standing on a small boat in the middle of the ocean, with storm clouds looming overhead

‘The Best We Could Do’ is a graphic memoir written by Thi Bui that chronicles the lives of her parents before, during, and after the Vietnam War. In the book, Bui retraces her parents’ lives in Vietnam and the United States in an attempt to better understand her own identity and the struggles her family faced.

The memoir begins with Bui’s parents’ upbringing in Vietnam and their experiences during the war. It then follows their journey as refugees to the United States, where they faced new challenges and had to adapt to a new way of life. Throughout the book, Bui also shares her own experiences as a daughter of Vietnamese immigrants and as a new mother herself.

Through her powerful storytelling and stunning artwork, Bui explores themes of family, identity, trauma, and the immigrant experience. She portrays the struggles and sacrifices her parents made in order to provide a better life for their children, while also acknowledging the lasting effects of displacement and intergenerational trauma.

Themes and Motifs

A boat sailing through turbulent waters, surrounded by symbols of family, migration, and identity

In “The Best We Could Do,” Thi Bui explores several themes and motifs that add depth to the story. One of the most prominent themes is the struggle to reconcile the past with the present. Bui uses her family’s history to illustrate how the past can shape the present and how difficult it can be to move on from traumatic experiences. This theme is also reflected in the motif of water, which symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitability of change.

Another important theme in the book is the immigrant experience. Bui’s family fled Vietnam during the war and resettled in America, and she explores the challenges they faced in adapting to a new culture and language. This theme is also reflected in the motif of maps, which symbolize the search for a sense of belonging and identity in a new place.

A third theme in the book is the power of family and the bonds that tie us together. Bui’s family went through many hardships, but they always stuck together and supported each other. This theme is also reflected in the motif of photographs, which symbolize the memories and connections that we hold dear.

Allegory in the Graphic Novel

A boat sails through turbulent waters, symbolizing the journey of a family fleeing war and seeking a new life. The boat is surrounded by dark, ominous clouds, representing the challenges and uncertainty they face

The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui is a graphic memoir that uses allegory to convey the story of her family’s journey from war-torn Vietnam to the United States. The graphic novel is filled with symbols and motifs that help to illustrate the themes of the story.

One of the most prominent allegories in the book is the use of water as a symbol for both life and death. Water is a recurring motif throughout the book, representing the dangers and uncertainties of the journey, as well as the hope and promise of a new life. The use of water as an allegory helps to convey the emotional depth and complexity of the story.

Another allegory in the book is the use of birds to represent freedom and escape. The birds serve as a symbol for the family’s desire to escape the violence and oppression of war-torn Vietnam and start a new life in the United States. The use of birds as an allegory helps to convey the family’s hopes and dreams for a better future.

Finally, the use of color in the book serves as an allegory for the emotional journey of the characters. The colors shift throughout the book, from bright and vibrant to dark and muted, reflecting the changing emotions of the characters as they navigate the challenges of their new lives in the United States.

Historical Context of the Memoir

The Best We Could Do is a graphic memoir written by Thi Bui. It tells the story of her family’s experiences before, during, and after the Vietnam War. The memoir is set against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in Vietnamese history, marked by colonialism, war, and political upheaval.

Bui’s family was among the millions of Vietnamese people who were affected by the war. The memoir provides a personal account of the war and its aftermath, highlighting the impact that it had on ordinary people. Bui’s family was forced to flee their home and country, and the memoir provides a glimpse into the challenges they faced as refugees.

The memoir also sheds light on the history of Vietnam, including the country’s struggle for independence from French colonial rule and the political divisions that eventually led to the war. Through Bui’s personal story, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complex historical forces that shaped Vietnam and its people.

Character Analysis

Thi Bui, the author and central protagonist of “The Best We Could Do,” is a Vietnamese American writer and artist. Bui’s memoir details her family’s history and their journey during the Vietnamese War and their escape as refugees to the United States. Through her memoir, Bui explores her family’s past and the impact of intergenerational trauma on their lives.

Bui’s parents, Ma and Ba, play a significant role in the memoir. Ma is a strong, resilient woman who endures the hardships of war and displacement. Ba is a complex character who struggles with his role as a father and husband. Through their experiences, Bui provides a poignant and nuanced portrayal of the immigrant experience.

Bui’s brother and sister also feature prominently in the memoir. Her brother, Tam, is an enigmatic figure who struggles with mental illness. Her sister, Bich, is a supportive and loving presence in Bui’s life. Together, they form a tight-knit family that overcomes adversity through love and perseverance.

Art Style and Symbolism

Thi Bui’s art style in “The Best We Could Do” is simple yet powerful. She uses black and white illustrations with a lot of detail to convey the emotions of the characters and the setting. The use of shading and cross-hatching adds depth to the images and makes them more realistic.

The symbolism in the book is also significant. The ocean, for example, represents Bui and her family’s contradictory relationship with Vietnam and their past. It symbolizes the sense of isolation and danger that defines their lives for so long. Another symbol is the color red, which is used to represent blood and violence. It’s a recurring theme throughout the book and is used to show the brutality of war and its lasting effects on the characters.

Bui also uses a lot of allegory in her work. For example, the boat that Bui’s family takes to escape Vietnam is a metaphor for their journey to a new life. It represents the hope and uncertainty that come with starting over in a new place. The use of allegory adds depth to the story and allows readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

Family and Identity

Thi Bui’s “The Best We Could Do” is a graphic memoir that explores the themes of family and identity. The book follows the author’s journey to understand her family’s past, particularly her parents’ experiences as refugees from Vietnam. Through her exploration, Bui comes to better understand her own identity and how it is shaped by her family’s history.

One of the key aspects of “The Best We Could Do” is the way it explores the relationships between family members. Bui’s parents are central to the story, and their experiences as refugees are at the heart of the book. Bui’s relationship with her parents is complex, and the book explores the challenges of communication and understanding that can arise between generations.

Another important theme in “The Best We Could Do” is the idea of identity. Bui’s exploration of her family’s past helps her to better understand herself and her place in the world. The book touches on issues of race, ethnicity, and culture, and explores how these factors can shape a person’s sense of self.

Immigration and Displacement

Thi Bui’s “The Best We Could Do” is a graphic memoir that explores the anguish of immigration and the lasting effects that displacement has on a child and her family. The story documents the family’s daring escape from South Vietnam after the fall of the country. The memoir highlights the emotional and physical challenges that the family faced during their journey to America.

The graphic novel portrays the difficulties of adapting to a new culture and language. It shows how the family had to confront the challenges of being strangers in a foreign land. Thi Bui’s memoir emphasizes the importance of family and how it can provide a sense of belonging and support during difficult times.

“The Best We Could Do” is a moving story that highlights the difficulties that refugees face when they flee their homeland. The graphic novel is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and how individuals can overcome adversity with perseverance and determination.

Trauma and Memory

Thi Bui’s graphic memoir, “The Best We Could Do,” explores the theme of trauma and memory through her family’s experiences during the Vietnam War and their subsequent immigration to the United States. The author uses a mix of text and illustrations to convey the emotional impact of these events on her family and their lasting effects on subsequent generations.

Bui’s depiction of her parents’ experiences during the war and their struggles to adapt to life in the U.S. highlights the complex interplay between individual and collective trauma. The author’s use of imagery and symbolism, such as the recurring image of water, underscores the pervasive and enduring nature of trauma.

Throughout the memoir, Bui also grapples with the question of how to remember and make sense of traumatic events. She acknowledges the limitations of memory and the ways in which trauma can distort and fragment one’s recollections. At the same time, she emphasizes the importance of bearing witness to these experiences and finding ways to honor and preserve the memories of those who have suffered.

The Allegory of the Boat

In “The Best We Could Do” by Thi Bui, the allegory of the boat is a powerful symbol that represents the family’s journey from Vietnam to the United States. The boat is a metaphor for the family’s escape from the oppressive communist regime in Vietnam and the dangers they faced during their journey to freedom.

The boat also represents the family’s resilience and determination to survive against all odds. Despite the difficult conditions and the uncertainty of their future, they managed to stay together and support each other throughout the journey.

Furthermore, the boat symbolizes the sacrifices that the family had to make in order to secure a better future for their children. They left behind their homes, their possessions, and their country in search of a better life. This sacrifice is a common theme among immigrants and refugees who leave behind everything they know in search of a better future.

Motherhood and Fatherhood

Thi Bui’s graphic memoir, “The Best We Could Do,” explores the themes of parenthood and family. The author’s mother, Hang, is portrayed as a resilient and selfless figure who sacrifices her personal aspirations to raise her children. Hang’s sacrifices are particularly evident in her decision to leave her medical studies to marry and start a family with Thi Bui’s father, Nam.

Nam, on the other hand, is depicted as a flawed and complex character. He is haunted by his experiences during the Vietnam War and struggles to connect with his family emotionally. Despite his shortcomings, however, Nam’s love for his family is evident in his unwavering commitment to their safety and well-being.

Through the depiction of her parents, Thi Bui highlights the challenges and rewards of parenthood. She shows how maternal and paternal love can manifest in different ways and how these differences can shape the dynamics of a family. Ultimately, “The Best We Could Do” is a poignant tribute to the sacrifices that parents make for their children and a testament to the enduring power of familial love.

The American Dream Revisited

Thi Bui’s graphic memoir, “The Best We Could Do,” explores the complexities of the American Dream through the lens of her family’s refugee experience. The American Dream, which promises a better life through hard work and determination, is a concept that has been deeply ingrained in the American psyche for generations. However, for many immigrants and refugees, the American Dream is not so easily attainable.

Bui’s parents fled war-torn Vietnam in search of a better life in the United States, but their journey was far from easy. They faced discrimination, poverty, and the challenges of adapting to a new culture. Despite these obstacles, they persevered and worked hard to provide a better life for their children.

Through her memoir, Bui challenges the notion that the American Dream is a one-size-fits-all concept. She shows that for many immigrants and refugees, the dream is not about material success, but about finding a sense of belonging and creating a better future for their families.

Bui’s story is a reminder that the American Dream is not a guarantee, but a promise that requires hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt to new circumstances. It is a dream that is constantly evolving and being redefined by each new generation of immigrants and refugees who come to this country in search of a better life.

Cultural and Personal Reconciliation

Thi Bui’s graphic memoir, The Best We Could Do, is a poignant exploration of the cultural and personal reconciliation that is often necessary for immigrants and their children. Bui’s parents’ lives in Vietnam and their eventual migration to the United States as refugees are chronicled in the book. Through their story, Bui offers a powerful commentary on the immigrant experience.

Bui’s memoir highlights the importance of reconciling one’s cultural heritage with the realities of life in a new country. She explores the ways in which her parents struggled to adapt to life in the United States while still holding onto their Vietnamese identity. Bui herself grapples with a sense of displacement and a longing for a home that she has never known.

Ultimately, The Best We Could Do is a testament to the power of cultural and personal reconciliation. Bui’s story shows that it is possible to find a sense of belonging even in the face of displacement and loss. Through her memoir, she offers a powerful message of hope and resilience to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.