57 pages • 1 hour read
The Latehomecomer
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Book Brief
277
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Thailand And United States • 1980s-2000s
2008
Adult
14-18 years
890L
Super Short Summary
In The Latehomecomer, Kao Kalia Yang tells the story of her family's journey from Thailand's Ban Vinai Refugee Camp to St. Paul, Minnesota, exploring their Hmong heritage and the resilience required to overcome displacement and hardships. Yang documents her family's struggles and sacrifices to ensure a better life for their children, emphasizing the importance of education and family bonds. The memoir includes sensitive topics such as war, starvation, and poverty.
Emotional
Nostalgic
Inspirational
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
8,606 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Latehomecomer by Kao Kalia Yang is widely praised for its poignant narrative and emotional depth, offering a compelling memoir of the Hmong-American experience. Critics highlight Yang's lyrical prose and vivid storytelling. However, some find the pacing slow at times. Overall, it’s an evocative and essential read for understanding refugee struggles.
Who Should Read The Latehomecomer?
Readers who cherish poignant immigrant narratives, cultural heritage, and personal resilience will be riveted by Kao Kalia Yang’s The Latehomecomer. Comparable to works like Maxine Hong Kingston’s The Woman Warrior and Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club, it appeals to those valuing intimate family sagas and Hmong American stories.
8,606 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mr. Yang
Mr. Yang
The father of Kao Kalia Yang, an informal poet who shares moral stories with his children, demonstrating a deep commitment to family and resilience.
Mrs. Yang
Mrs. Yang
The mother of Kao Kalia Yang, a soft-spoken but deeply determined woman who, alongside her husband, works hard to create a better life for their children in America.
Dawb Yang
Dawb Yang
Kao Kalia Yang’s older sister who, despite having polio, excels both academically and personally, showing strong protective instincts toward her sister.
Grandma Yang
Grandma Yang
A formidable matriarch who, after enduring significant hardships, maintains strong Hmong cultural ties and is central to the family’s narrative and cultural memory.
277
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Thailand And United States • 1980s-2000s
2008
Adult
14-18 years
890L
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