Girl in
Translation by Jean Kwok
Either
by choice or necessity you leave your homeland to start a new life in a new
country. You don’t speak the language
and you don’t understand the culture. So begins the story of Kim and her mother
as they journey from China to the United States. They were comfortable in China
until Kim’s father died and her mother became ill. Kim’s Mom has a sister living
in the United States who sends them money and eventually brings them to the
United States, but at a huge price. They are
now indebted to her.
Kim is in elementary school, her Mom was a music teacher. They live in a roach infested apartment with no heat in New York. Because they barely speak English and they owe Kim’s aunt money they are forced to work long hours at her Aunt's garment factory.
Kim is
smart, tough and determined to do what it takes to make life better for her and
her family.
For anyone who has lived overseas, the most difficult thing is the language barrier and the isolation you feel.
The author certainly portrays the hardships that the characters must face. As with other books this book deals with life's choices and the sacrifices a person must make to survive and thrive. Since this is the book for my book club this month, I look forward to discussing it with my book club buddies.
For anyone who has lived overseas, the most difficult thing is the language barrier and the isolation you feel.
The author certainly portrays the hardships that the characters must face. As with other books this book deals with life's choices and the sacrifices a person must make to survive and thrive. Since this is the book for my book club this month, I look forward to discussing it with my book club buddies.
I know this book, such a nice story! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI loved this book! I listened to it and loved hearing the mother's accent and Kim describing her life in New York. She was so intelligent and quietly proved her worth.
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