Plot Summary

Factory Girls

Leslie T. Chang
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Factory Girls

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2008

Book Brief

Leslie T. Chang

Factory Girls

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2008
Book Details
Pages

420

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

China • 2000s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Factory Girls, Leslie T. Chang explores the lives of female migrant workers who sustain China's manufacturing boom, detailing the journey of young women who leave rural towns to seek opportunities in cities like Dongguan, illustrating their resilience and the harsh realities of factory life. The narrative intertwines stories of Chang’s family history with her observations of factory conditions and workers' ambitions. Topics include economic hardship, discrimination, and challenging work environments.

Informative

Contemplative

Emotional

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.1

9,843 ratings

72%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Leslie T. Chang's Factory Girls is lauded for its insightful portrayal of the lives of female migrant workers in China. Reviewers praise its engaging narrative and depth of research, though some critique its occasional lack of broader economic context. Overall, the book is valued for its humanizing approach and compelling personal stories.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Factory Girls?

Fans of social history and contemporary Chinese culture will appreciate Factory Girls by Leslie T. Chang. Readers of Wild Swans by Jung Chang or The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman will find this compelling study of young women navigating life in China's industrial cities equally engaging.

4.1

9,843 ratings

72%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

420

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

China • 2000s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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