A review by jukietoss
Straw Dogs of the Universe by Ye Chun

emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

What a harrowing, sweeping story of a Chinese family trying to build a life in late 19th century California/Nevada. Incredibly well told, Chun takes an extensive history and condenses into four key perspectives from whom we learn about the horrific racism against the Chinese as they built the west coast railroads and then tried to settle and build their own lives--amidst growing xenophobia and ultimately the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882. And yet somehow, despite the amount of trauma these characters endure, this book is much more than that. Chun is matter-of-fact in her relaying of the violence her characters endure without making it the central or most salient part of their stories. 

Instead, their humanity is what brims, and their attempts to connect with one another are what push the book forward. These characters are a pulsing reminder that doing life alone isn't an option, and that releasing our demons is necessary in order to fully connect with one another. There is so much heart throughout the novel. It's a breathtaking way to gain exposure to the history leading to and just after the Chinese Exclusion Act. 
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