63 pages • 2 hours read
The Jade Peony
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Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
Vancouver, British Columbia • 1940s
1995
Adult
15-18 years
Super Short Summary
The Jade Peony by Wayson Choy, set during World War II, follows three Chinese-Canadian siblings: Liang, who forms a profound friendship with Wong Suk, a marginalized elder; Jung, who grapples with his blossoming sexuality and crush on Frank Yuen; and Sekky, who shares a deep bond with his grandmother, Grandmama, who teaches him about old Chinese traditions. The book includes themes of racism, poverty, and struggling with sexual identity.
Nostalgic
Melancholic
Heartwarming
Contemplative
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
5,555 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Wayson Choy's The Jade Peony is praised for its beautifully crafted portrayal of the Chinese-Canadian immigrant experience and the rich, evocative narrative that brings Vancouver's Chinatown in the 1930s and 1940s to life. Critics commend its authentic voices and nuanced characters, though some find the pacing slow. Overall, it’s a poignant and insightful read.
Who Should Read The Jade Peony?
Readers who appreciate The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan or The Bonesetter's Daughter will enjoy The Jade Peony by Wayson Choy. Ideal for those interested in immigrant stories, cultural identity, and family dynamics, this novel offers a rich exploration of Chinese-Canadian heritage set in early 20th-century Vancouver.
5,555 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jung-Sum (Jung)
Jung-Sum (Jung)
Narrating Part 2, Jung is the adopted son of the family who grapples with issues of masculinity and identity, observing varied male archetypes within his community.
Sek-Lung (Sekky)
Sek-Lung (Sekky)
The youngest child, Sek-Lung narrates Part 3 and builds a deep bond with his Grandmama, through whom he connects with his cultural heritage and familial belonging.
Poh-Poh/The Old One/Grandmama
Poh-Poh/The Old One/Grandmama
Known by various names, she is the matriarchal figure in the family, dispensing wisdom and cultural tales that profoundly influence her grandchildren.
Father
Father
A writer in the local Chinese-language newspaper, Father supports his children’s assimilation into Canadian culture while maintaining a strong loyalty to China.
Stepmother
Stepmother
Brought into the family through an arranged marriage, she is a figure of quiet strength who manages the household and provides support to the family with compassion.
Kiam
Kiam
The eldest child, Kiam, is depicted as having an affinity for Western science and leans towards assimilation into Canadian society.
240
Novel • Fiction
Vancouver, British Columbia • 1940s
1995
Adult
15-18 years
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