The Bride Test
“The Bride Test” is a captivating romance novel written by Helen Hoang. Published in 2019, this heartwarming story follows the lives of Khai Diep, a Vietnamese-American with autism spectrum disorder, and Esme Tran, a young woman from Vietnam.
The novel begins when Khai’s mother travels to Vietnam to find him a wife, convinced that he is incapable of finding love on his own. She meets Esme, a single mother working as a cleaning woman, and convinces her to come to America for the summer to spend time with Khai and see if they are compatible.
Esme agrees, hoping that marrying Khai will provide her with a better life and opportunities for her young daughter. However, as she gets to know Khai and his family, she finds herself developing genuine feelings for him. Khai, on the other hand, struggles to understand his own emotions and fears that he is incapable of love.
As Khai and Esme navigate their burgeoning relationship, they must confront their own insecurities, cultural differences, and personal demons. Along the way, they learn important lessons about acceptance, vulnerability, and the true meaning of love.
“The Bride Test” is a poignant and beautifully written novel that explores themes of identity, family, and the power of human connection. With its authentic characters, heartfelt romance, and richly detailed portrayal of Vietnamese culture, it is a story that will captivate readers and leave a lasting impression.
