Prior to BEA I had this goal of decimating my review pile. The vast majority of this pile was comprised of YA books which I flew through. The books which were not YA, however, I was hesitant to read. Girl In Translation by Jean Kwok was one of those books I was quite nervous about. I was so worried it would be slowly paced. Luckily, friends, I was pleasantly surprised. I actually gobbled Girl In Translation up.
Girl In Translation by Jean Kwok is about the immigrant experience. It focuses on a girl named Ah Kim who immigrates from Hong Kong to America with her mother at the age of 9? 11? I forget. She starts the book in elementary school, though. Kim and her mother expect a different America than what they get. She has this aunt who sponsors their trip over. You would think this bodes well. Unfortunately, the aunt owns this sweatshop, which of course Kim’s mother is trapped in working there. As Kim’s mother does not speak English, I don’t think she had any other options unfortunately. It’s tragic, when Lady Liberty isn’t quite as embracing as you would have expected. I should probably say I didn’t read this book expecting Kim (she Americanizes her name) to represent the experience of all immigrants, or even the experience of all Asian immigrants.
Kim is very impoverished, which is fairly different from characters in most of the books I read. I sort of like it when I have more money than the characters I read about, it makes it easier for me to relate to them on an economic level I can understand decisions they may face. The great thing about Kim is she never lets her poverty define her. She won’t let her mean old hag aunt put her in her place. I loved that she did face all these problems, yet remained resilient and ultimately triumphed. It’s great reading an uplifting book instead of something that is depress-o-rama.
What, perhaps, stood out to me the most about Girl In Translation by Jean Kwok was the value placed on education in this novel. I know we often get this image/story/stereotype of the studious Asian. Now, obviously not every Asian is a genius, nor is every single Asian mathematically inclined. However, I wonder how this stereotype came into play. I do know certain cultures highly value learning and education, such as the Jewish culture. It’s proven that education does improve one’s chances at monetary success in life, but not guaranteed. However, I do digress. To go back to this, I enjoyed seeing how much Kim liked school and learning, despite how often she struggled with fitting in.
The most compelling thing about Girl In Translation by Jean Kwok, aside from matching my value set, was the narration of Kim. The book is first person. I felt it really helped me to relate and genuinely care. I formed a connection with Kim. There were definitely parts where something uncool would happen and I would totally mist over. Typical sap. Anyways if you have a penchant for coming of age books, I totally recommend you check this one out.
Other Reviews of Girl In Translation by Jean Kwok:
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I think I should read this… I've read a lot of good things about it! As for the educational stereotype… being only half-asian and growing up in the states, it was still a HUGE deal.. and from everyone I've known the education thing is not a stereotype, lol. It's crazy!
I like first person books too, it´s easiest to relate…
The story seems interesting, not fun, but really nice to read. I´m adding it to the enormous pile lol
Actually I have a similar problem. After reading a bunch of YA books, other books seem to take so long to get the same ideas and emotions across! I am always so impressed how they do that in so few pages. I think many authors of books for adults would do well to study the format! :–)
Ha! My adult shelf hasn't been read in over a year. I'm horrible but it's just so much easier to pick up a YA lol. Great review! I think I'll check this one out.
So glad to hear this! I have a copy sitting on my TBR pile as well & so now I can look forward to it more readily! Thanks!
I saw this book in a pile of ARCs at the bookstore I write reviews for and I didn't grab it. Darn! I should've. This sounds great.
Great review! I love coming of age stories, even more when they give me a different point of view on another culture. I'll have to read this one!