Picture a Vietnamese-Canadian storyteller who spun a nail salon into a heartfelt saga of family and resilience—meet Mai Nguyen! This Toronto-based author and National Magazine Award-nominated journalist burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, Sunshine Nails, a vibrant tale that captures the immigrant experience with humor and heart. Nguyen’s ability to blend wit with poignant themes of identity and belonging has made her a fresh voice in contemporary Canadian literature.
From her roots in Halifax to her bustling life in Toronto, Nguyen’s journey is as colorful as the manicures in her novel. Her storytelling, inspired by her family’s own nail salon, offers a window into the Vietnamese diaspora, making readers laugh, cry, and cheer for the underdog.
The Making of Mai Nguyen
Born in Winnipeg and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Mai Nguyen grew up immersed in the world of her parents’ nail salon, a hub of hard work and community. As Vietnamese refugees, her parents built a life from scratch, a story that deeply shaped Nguyen’s perspective. She honed her craft as a journalist, writing for outlets like Wired, The Washington Post, and The Toronto Star, earning two National Magazine Award nominations. Her transition to fiction was sparked by a desire to spotlight the unsung resilience of Vietnamese immigrants, particularly those in the nail industry.
A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s journalism program, Nguyen’s knack for vivid storytelling emerged early. Her childhood spent in the salon, doing homework amid the buzz of manicures, fueled her debut novel. This unique backdrop, combined with her sharp observational skills, set the stage for her literary breakthrough.
Mai Nguyen’s Unforgettable Stories
Nguyen’s debut, Sunshine Nails (2023), is a tender yet hilarious novel about the Tran family, Vietnamese refugees running a Toronto nail salon. Facing a glitzy chain salon and skyrocketing rent, the Trans resort to sabotage, unraveling family dynamics along the way. Nguyen’s prose sparkles with humor, weaving themes of gentrification, class, and generational divides into a page-turner that’s both lighthearted and profound. The novel, longlisted for Canada Reads 2024, has been praised by authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid for its depth and charm.
Nguyen’s style is a delightful mix of wit and warmth, grounding serious topics like anti-Asian racism and the model minority myth in relatable characters. Her second book, slated for 2026, promises to further explore the complexities of identity and community. Drawing from her journalism background, Nguyen crafts stories that feel authentic, with sensory details that transport readers to Toronto’s Junction neighborhood.
Unlike traditional immigrant narratives focused on suffering, Nguyen’s work celebrates joy and resilience. She subverts stereotypes, portraying flawed, vibrant characters who navigate modern challenges like rising rents and cultural expectations with grit and humor.
Why Mai Nguyen Matters
Mai Nguyen’s impact lies in her ability to humanize the Vietnamese-Canadian experience, shedding light on an often-overlooked community. Sunshine Nails resonates with readers for its authentic portrayal of family ties and the pressures of gentrification, earning accolades as a must-read from NPR and CBC. By centering nail technicians—unsung heroes of the service industry—Nguyen honors the labor and dreams of immigrants, challenging classist perceptions.
Her work also paves the way for diverse voices in Canadian literature, blending humor with social commentary to create stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. As a rising star, Nguyen’s storytelling invites readers to reflect on identity, community, and the power of a good manicure.
- Born: Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Key Work: Sunshine Nails (2023)
- Awards: Longlisted for Canada Reads 2024
- Fun Fact: Her parents’ Halifax nail salon inspired her debut novel.
Snag Sunshine Nails and dive into Mai Nguyen’s heartfelt, hilarious world of family, nails, and resilience!