A review by tracithomas
Daughters of the Bamboo Grove by Barbara Demick

informative medium-paced

3.0

I was torn on this book. I think the writing was effective and clear. I was interested in the story and think it was told in a way that worked. I felt like the author was way too much a part of the book, she kept inserting herself in the story. I also found there to be an underlying anti-Chinese sentiment throughout the book. That the American way was better or more pure or good. I wished the author had questioned adoptions more and pushed back on some of the righteous talking points. I also found there was an exoticization of the Chinese people that wasn't great. So like interesting story, but maybe not the right person/way to tell it.