Reviews

Dandelion by Jamie Chai Yun Liew

gdp60's review against another edition

5.0

Wow, an amazing story. At times I forgot it was non fiction. I appreciate how unbiased the author is about all her family members, and her amazing memory of her childhood. Many interesting themes brought up, that seem to be woven through all aspects of her life.

bonbongirl's review against another edition

emotional informative sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

excellent_taste's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective 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? Yes

3.75

just_one_more_chapter_ok's review

challenging emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

smalltownbookmom's review against another edition

4.0

A moving debut novel about the complexities of interracial relationships, the challenges of new motherhood and the haunting legacy of a complicated mother-daughter relationship as new mother Lily tries to learn what made her Chinese mother abandon her as a child.

Perfect for fans of The light of eternal spring by Angel Di Zhang and good on audio too narrated by Jennifer Hui. This book was shortlisted for the Canada Reads 2023 competition and I definitely understood why! I happily look forward to reading whatever this author writes next.

msnreynolds's review against another edition

4.0

This was my March @the_fold #foldchallenge choice. A fiction or non-fiction immigration story. Read on @audible_ca. Thank you @jcyliew for this beautiful story bringing awareness to the inter-generational impacts of statelessness.

daniduplisea's review against another edition

4.0

Memoir-style fiction is a genre I really like, coupled with the addition of the local neighbourhood flavour of Ottawa's Chinatown, made this a really enjoyable read. Highly recommend putting this Canadian author's first novel on your list. Sad this didn't make the 2023 Canada Reads shortlist.

tomikorobson's review against another edition

5.0

I really liked this one. There was so much familiarity in it - the locations, the experiences, the consideration of race, identity and belonging.

ehknits's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book was a beautifully written story that weaves the experience of being an immigrant, an outsider, a woman, a family and more all set within a wonderful and sometimes heartbreaking Canada. The author deftly brings you into the story and makes you fall in love with the characters. 

imworthyandenough's review against another edition

4.0

Loved this! So beautifully written!