Scan barcode
sakeriver's review
I’d seen a lot of people recommend this book, and I’m glad I read it. I think as an examination of the history of the Chinese American experience it works well, particularly in thinking about how Chinese American history is American history—and the book is all the more remarkable for having been written by a non-American. I struggled a bit with the character in the fourth section, whose identity at times seems very wrapped up in a desire for proximity to whiteness, even veering toward a certain form of misogyny common among Asian American men (what’s termed “MRAzn”). Though, I also have to admit that my discomfort is at least in part due to recognizing some of the same tendencies from my own younger days. Still, overall I thought it was very well done.
robynryle's review
4.0
Beautiful series of connected stories about the Asian-American experience in the U.S.
readingwithhippos's review
4.0
I've been in a bit of a slump lately when it comes to reading, and even more so when it comes to reviewing. At times like these, I need an author to surprise me, to show me something I haven't seen before. Something I can be excited about. A lifeline to pull me out of the reading doldrums.
Enter Peter Ho Davies' new novel, The Fortunes, stage right. Here's what's so cool about it: the book reads more like a set of interconnected novellas than a straightforward novel. There are four discrete storylines, told in separate sections one after another. It's mainly the themes that overlap—immigration, identity, belonging—while the characters and their situations are all very different. Taken together, like a collage, they tell what it has been like to be Chinese-American at various times in history.
My favorite part of the book was how powerfully Davies demonstrates the inherent conflict of being a part of two distinct cultures. His characters do not fit perfectly into either their Chinese or American worlds, seemingly no matter what they do. Thus each one has to define their own identity on their own terms, which was both interesting and gratifying to watch from my readerly perch. I also loved the historical aspect of the novel, as it made real to me some parts of history I was only vaguely aware of, like the construction of transcontinental railroads and the California gold rush.
Here's to authors doing new things and the blessed approach of sweater weather. I'm hopeful the combination of the two will be enough to bust me out of my recent slump.
With sincere regards to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and NetGalley for the advance copy. On sale today, September 6!
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
Enter Peter Ho Davies' new novel, The Fortunes, stage right. Here's what's so cool about it: the book reads more like a set of interconnected novellas than a straightforward novel. There are four discrete storylines, told in separate sections one after another. It's mainly the themes that overlap—immigration, identity, belonging—while the characters and their situations are all very different. Taken together, like a collage, they tell what it has been like to be Chinese-American at various times in history.
My favorite part of the book was how powerfully Davies demonstrates the inherent conflict of being a part of two distinct cultures. His characters do not fit perfectly into either their Chinese or American worlds, seemingly no matter what they do. Thus each one has to define their own identity on their own terms, which was both interesting and gratifying to watch from my readerly perch. I also loved the historical aspect of the novel, as it made real to me some parts of history I was only vaguely aware of, like the construction of transcontinental railroads and the California gold rush.
Here's to authors doing new things and the blessed approach of sweater weather. I'm hopeful the combination of the two will be enough to bust me out of my recent slump.
With sincere regards to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and NetGalley for the advance copy. On sale today, September 6!
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
chaifanatic18's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
sarapocher98's review
emotional
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
cecilelh's review
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
amslersf's review
4.0
In the Fortunes, four narratives, each of a different historical period, try to make sense of Chinese American experience. Not each one captivated me, but I needed the reminder of the Vincent Chin murder case in the 1980s that helped galvanize a pan Asian American identity and commitment to activism. I'm a sucker for the post modern moves in the final section. A good read!
lizzieh96's review against another edition
3.0
Only read the first novella, "Gold," but it was compelling. The relationships felt real and Ling was an wonderfully conflicted character to get the story through. Definitely interested to read the rest sometime!