Scan barcode
tomikorobson's review against another edition
5.0
This has been on my “I should really read this pile” for a long time. I’m glad I finally got around to it. It’s a beautiful story.
literallykalasin's review against another edition
4.0
Wayson Choy combines the narratives of three siblings to create this compelling story of the immigrant experience in Canada leading up to the Second World War.
theloosepage's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
marie_gg's review against another edition
2.0
In preparation for our trip to Vancouver, BC, last summer, I looked up books about Vancouver. Wayson Choy was one of the most frequently mentioned authors. I find that Canadian authors are not very widely read in the U.S., and I've found many Canadian gems.
The novel is divided into three sections, each telling the unique perspective of three siblings growing up in the Chinatown of Vancouver. It touches on many issues of race, family, rivalry, the battle between the old ways and the new ways, discrimination, war, and homosexuality.
I found many parts of the novel interesting (for example, the young girl's unique friendship with an older, disfigured Chinese man, or the affair between the Chinese girl and the Japanese boy), but it dragged in other parts. In some sections Choy included far too many characters for the reader to follow. I didn't get the same feeling of place as I did in reading Vancouver.
I have Choy's autobiography out of the library, but I'm not sure whether I'll read it just yet. This book didn't grip me enough as it could have.
The novel is divided into three sections, each telling the unique perspective of three siblings growing up in the Chinatown of Vancouver. It touches on many issues of race, family, rivalry, the battle between the old ways and the new ways, discrimination, war, and homosexuality.
I found many parts of the novel interesting (for example, the young girl's unique friendship with an older, disfigured Chinese man, or the affair between the Chinese girl and the Japanese boy), but it dragged in other parts. In some sections Choy included far too many characters for the reader to follow. I didn't get the same feeling of place as I did in reading Vancouver.
I have Choy's autobiography out of the library, but I'm not sure whether I'll read it just yet. This book didn't grip me enough as it could have.
beentsy's review against another edition
3.0
I'm still processing this book. There were some amazing and very interesting points of it. Particularly considering I live beside the city it's set in. ;)
I will say that I loved the characters Liang, Poh Poh, and Stepmother. I wish that I could sit down and drink tea and exchange stories with them for hours. Is it horribly sexist that I really only liked the female characters? Yeah, probably. LOL.
I will say that I loved the characters Liang, Poh Poh, and Stepmother. I wish that I could sit down and drink tea and exchange stories with them for hours. Is it horribly sexist that I really only liked the female characters? Yeah, probably. LOL.
juicygreenmom's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
sanrodsara's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
siobhanward's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Whenever I see a Canada Reads sticker on a book, I generally know it will be solid, and this was no exception. Choy's use of child narrators, having the audience see the complex world of adults through the lens of children was effective, especially with the challenging story he was telling. I liked that he moved through three of the children -using only one would not have been as effective. I'm not sure I've read a Chinese-Canadian story taking place during the interwar period and at the start of WWII, and I really enjoyed reading something new.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Child abuse and War
Minor: Chronic illness and Death
akinobo's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
little_red_reads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0