BOOK BRIEF

The Life of a Banana

P.P. Wong
Guide cover placeholder

The Life of a Banana

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
P.P. Wong

The Life of a Banana

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019
Book Details
Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
British Literature

Chinese Literature

Modern Classic Fiction
Period
Asian Literature
Setting

London, England • 2010s

Theme
Family
Topic
Race & Racism
Publication Year

2019

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Life of a Banana by P.P. Wong follows a British-Chinese girl's coming-of-age journey in multicultural London. The story delves into her experiences with identity, family dynamics, and cultural tensions. Through her perspective, the narrative explores themes of belonging and resilience while navigating the challenges of straddling different cultures.

Melancholic

Emotional

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

3.9

815 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Life of a Banana by P.P. Wong is lauded for its authentic depiction of cultural identity and the immigrant experience, highlighted by strong character development. Some reviewers find the narrative voice compelling and relatable, while others critique the pacing as uneven. Themes of family and belonging resonate, although the plot occasionally lacks cohesion.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Life of a Banana?

Readers who appreciate The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan or Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan will enjoy The Life of a Banana by P. P. Wong. It appeals to those interested in coming-of-age tales, cultural identity, and the British-Chinese experience, blending humor with poignant social insights.

3.9

815 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
British Literature

Chinese Literature

Modern Classic Fiction
Period
Asian Literature
Setting

London, England • 2010s

Theme
Family
Topic
Race & Racism
Publication Year

2019

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!