A review by monitaroymohan
Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu

informative slow-paced

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

1.0

I liked 2/3rds of this book. I loved the format — it’s written almost completely as a script, which makes sense given the author is known for TV work. The premise is also fascinating — a multi-generational Chinese-American family looking to make it in the entertainment industry. It’s hard, mostly because of racism and stereotyping. I found that interesting. 

But then, the book introduces a romance and it totally loses the plot. Why is Karen Lee interested in Willis Wu, when he’s so insecure and frankly petulant about how she gets opportunities that he can’t? He’s a walking red flag but she still continues the relationship, marries him and has a child. What? And then he’s never there for her and abandons his family. I’m sorry, when did we take a left turn to cliche town? 

What irked me the most was the denouement. I understand what the author is trying to say — there are some people who are automatically considered to be American (white European diaspora), while others — like the Chinese — aren’t, even when the latter have been in America for longer. We get it. And we also get that it needs to be said. But why is the Black community thrown under the bus to make this point? I’m not saying this book leans into Asian racism towards Black people, but let’s be honest here, don’t use the suffering of the Black community as a yard stick for your suffering. Point the finger at who’s causing the suffering not at your fellow victims. Absolutely ridiculous. Left me with a terrible feeling for this book. 

I wanted to like this book but I couldn’t by the end. So frustrating.