Super Short Summary

Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama follows Pei, a Chinese girl sent to work in a silk factory between the World Wars to support her impoverished family. Overcoming initial fear, Pei adjusts, bonds with fellow workers, and commits to the silk trade, renouncing traditional marriage. Facing economic challenges, unionizing, and interpersonal losses, Pei ultimately escapes to Hong Kong amid rising international conflict. The story includes depictions of sexual violence, suicide, and death.