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akartsak 's review for:
Beautiful Country
by Qian Julie Wang
Qian’s story is one that resonated with me as a fellow product of an immigrant family living in America. However, her story was much more raw, tragic at times, and punctuated by the hardships only faced by those who come to the US undocumented with nothing but hope for a better life. I can’t say I’ve gone through the same types of struggles and level of poverty as Wang’s family did, but the underlying grit and determination seen in and valued by any immigrant family was palpable.
Wang writes beautifully and truthfully about her life in Brooklyn, and doesn’t compromise or filter the story through the lens of an adult reminiscing on their childhood. Seeing it through the eyes of a kid trying to make their way through the normal trials and tribulations of their formative school years, let alone as an illegal immigrant helping her struggling family, is so much more impactful, innocent, and honest. Wang’s pop culture references peppered throughout the story also bring the much needed levity to the story and reminds you this is all being told from the perspective of a 7-12 year old.
I’m glad that Wang and her family were able to come out the other side and were successful in building a better life. It does give the readers hope — but not blindly.
5/5 stars
Wang writes beautifully and truthfully about her life in Brooklyn, and doesn’t compromise or filter the story through the lens of an adult reminiscing on their childhood. Seeing it through the eyes of a kid trying to make their way through the normal trials and tribulations of their formative school years, let alone as an illegal immigrant helping her struggling family, is so much more impactful, innocent, and honest. Wang’s pop culture references peppered throughout the story also bring the much needed levity to the story and reminds you this is all being told from the perspective of a 7-12 year old.
I’m glad that Wang and her family were able to come out the other side and were successful in building a better life. It does give the readers hope — but not blindly.
5/5 stars