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288
Novel • Fiction
United States • 19th-21st century
2016
Adult
18+ years
The Fortunes by Peter Ho Davies is a historical novel composed of four interconnected stories that explore the experiences of Chinese immigrants and their descendants across different generations in the United States. The stories, “Celestial Railroad,” “Your Name in Chinese,” “Tell it Slant,” and “Disorientation,” examine themes of anti-Chinese racism, assimilation, and identity shaped by historical events in China and the US. Characters experience anti-Asian prejudice and violence.
Informative
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
2,469 ratings
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Peter Ho Davies' The Fortunes has garnered praise for its compelling exploration of Chinese-American identity and history through four interconnected stories. Reviewers appreciate its lyrical prose and nuanced characters, but some critique the pacing and fragmented narrative structure. Overall, it's celebrated for its thought-provoking themes and rich historical context.
A reader who appreciates The Fortunes by Peter Ho Davies would enjoy complex narratives exploring identity, culture, and history. Comparable to The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan and The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz, this novel appeals to those intrigued by multifaceted characters and the immigrant experience.
2,469 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Uncle Ng
The owner of a Chinese laundry where Ah Ling works, who is depicted as kind yet complicated, having been a prospector and enduring the complexities of immigrant life in America.
Little Sister
A sex worker associated with Uncle Ng's laundry, who harbors resentment towards Chinese men due to her experiences and eventually rises to a position of authority within the sphere of sex work.
Anna May Wong
A character inspired by the real-life actress, known for being the first Chinese American star in Hollywood, struggling with racial barriers and personal identity issues while making her mark in the film industry.
Vincent Chin
Based on a real person, he is a Chinese American man whose story revolves around a tragic incident of racially motivated violence, reflecting broader themes of racism and identity.
John Ling Smith
A biracial academic and writer who grapples with his Chinese heritage and identity, as well as the challenges of family and work while navigating both American and Chinese cultural landscapes.
288
Novel • Fiction
United States • 19th-21st century
2016
Adult
18+ years
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