Livonia Chow Mein is a slow burn that turns into a book full of drama that makes it impossible to put down. Grappling with intertwined story lines of belonging and togetherness, the Brownsville community finds ways to fight back against systemic racial disparities in its communities. It follows a myriad of people throughout the book as the histories that have once plagued the town are slowly discovered and brought to light. Livonia Chow Mein portrays immigrants in America grappling with the dreams that brought them here, only to discover that becoming their truest selves sometimes means letting go of old ideals and embracing an unexpected new path. It became impossible for me to believe I was just reading. The vivid imagery and clear, deliberate prose made me feel as if I was also working to change this town for the better.
Livonia Chow Mein by Abigail Savitch-Lew, (List Price: $29, Simon & Schuster, 9781668075234, April 2026)
Reviewed by Chloe, Epilogue: Books Chocolate Brews in Chapel Hill, North Carolina