The Thumbnail Book Reviews
by John Q McDonald --- 4 March 1999
by Fae Myenne Ng
This book is the story of a family in San Francisco's Chinatown. As told from the point of view of one of three daughters, the tale spans the lives of a generation of Chinese immigrants and their children. Ng's story has a strongly biographical feel to it, and tells of the powerful effects of a suicide upon the family. Rising from this tragedy are family history, strange secrets, and ultimately a deeper understanding of one another. Hailing from San Francisco, this reader found the book rich in scenic detail and atmosphere. Told in almost reverse time order, the story flows nicely and without pretensions in its conclusion. Like life, it has ends that just hang off in space. A vignette. Subtly enjoyable.