A review by allysonwbrunette
Disappearing Moon Cafe by Sky Lee

3.0

I don't know if I'm just accidentally selecting all books that are really sad, or if this is a commonality in this vein of literature. Either way, this book, while well-written, bummed me out. I listened to this book in audiobook format, and I think I would have had an easier time following the complex family tree and switching back and forth from different generations' perspectives in a physical copy. The story follows the Wong family's move from China to Vancouver, British Columbia and their rise to power and wealth within their community. This does not come without hardship, and the story emphasizes the difficulties that women face within this culture - with an expectation of arranged marriages, meeting the cultural expectations of being a good wife / mother / daughter-in-law, and the many, many secrets that the family has held over generations. The decisions and actions of grandparents and parents would continue to rear their ugly heads in future generations and inevitably, stand in the way of the happiness of their extended family. The overarching theme of this story is just sadness - sadness in their circumstances, in their families, and in their individual identities.