The Concubine's Children
The Concubine's Children
Book Brief
304
Book • Nonfiction
Canada • 1920s-1940s
1994
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Concubine's Children by Denise Chong traces two generations of a family's history, focusing on Denise's grandparents, Chan Sam and his second wife May-ying. Over time, May-ying's relationship with Chan deteriorates, leading her to a life of work, gambling, and troubled parenting in Vancouver. The story culminates with Denise and her mother's trip to China, where they meet long-lost relatives.
Emotional
Melancholic
Mysterious
Informative
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
2,283 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Concubine's Children by Denise Chong has garnered positive acclaim for its rich, evocative narrative and compelling portrayal of a Chinese-Canadian family's history. Readers praised its detailed depiction of cultural and generational struggles. Criticisms focus on its dense historical context, which some found overwhelming. Overall, it's a heartfelt tribute to family and heritage.
Who Should Read The Concubine's Children?
Readers who revel in multi-generational family sagas set against a backdrop of cultural and historical upheaval will enjoy The Concubine's Children by Denise Chong. Similar to Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club and Jung Chang's Wild Swans, it provides an evocative exploration of Chinese immigrant experiences and complex familial bonds.
2,283 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Concubine's Children by Denise Chong is an acclaimed non-fiction work that uniquely combines elements of memoir and history, shedding light on the Chinese-Canadian immigrant experience.
The book has been praised for its vivid portrayal of the impact of Canadian immigration policies on Chinese families, meticulously pieced together through letters, photographs, and family stories.
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It has been translated into several languages, enhancing its reach and impact on international audiences interested in cultural histories and family dynamics.
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304
Book • Nonfiction
Canada • 1920s-1940s
1994
Adult
18+ years
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