53 pages • 1 hour read
The Family Chao
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Wisconsin • Contemporary
2022
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Family Chao by Lan Samantha Chang, tensions simmer within a Chinese American family running a restaurant in Haven, Wisconsin. After patriarch Leo Chao's murder, his son Dagou is charged with the crime, leading to a courtroom drama that uncovers family dynamics, cultural conflicts, and community prejudices, with brothers Ming and James grappling with their own complex emotions. The book addresses racism and discrimination.
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Suspenseful
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
10,787 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews for Lan Samantha Chang's The Family Chao laud its compelling narrative and nuanced exploration of family dynamics and cultural identity. Critics praise the rich character development and intricate plotting but note that the pacing can be inconsistent. Despite minor flaws, the novel's emotional depth and insightful commentary are widely appreciated. Word Count: 349
Who Should Read The Family Chao?
Readers who savor intricate family dramas with cultural depth and themes of identity will enjoy The Family Chao by Lan Samantha Chang. Fans of Celeste Ng's Everything I Never Told You and Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club will find this novel's exploration of immigrant life and familial tension particularly compelling.
10,787 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Novel • Fiction
Wisconsin • Contemporary
2022
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.