Kim and her mother arrive in the United States from Hong Kong only to discover that nothing is what they’d expected. Kim’s aunt has paid for their passage and their green cards, but she doesn’t allow them to stay in her home, instead putting them in a falling down apartment, charging them excessive rent, and deducting huge portions of their wages for the immigration costs. Kim not only has to help her mother at work in the evenings but struggles along at school; she’s used to excelling but the difficulty of learning English and the strange environment makes her life very uncomfortable. As she adjusts to her new environment, she soon learns that she has to choose between her dreams and her love.
I was actually really surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I managed to read it in one day – a work day, no less – and I found myself thinking about it constantly. I’ve always been interested in stories about immigrants to the US, no matter when they happened, and this was not at all an exception. I was very interested in the contrasts between Kim’s and her mother’s attempts to keep their native culture alive – the holidays they celebrated, the food they ate – and her attempts to learn English and navigate the American school system, which is difficult enough for those of us who do speak English and grew up in the US.
The difference is especially highlighted in Kim’s clothing. She and her mother are so poor that her mother for a time continues to make her clothing. Her lack of traditional bra and panties causes her a huge amount of embarrassment when the other girls can see her and reluctantly, they’re forced to spend the money on store-made underwear so the mocking stops.
The difference between her time at school and work in the factory with her mother also show how different the two experiences are; Kim’s one school friend just doesn’t believe that such illegal factory work can exist. It made me sad that they moved to the US for a better life, yet Kim’s mother could never even dream of being a music teacher again.
I think what I liked best about the book, though, was Kim herself. Her narration is written excellently and really drew me in. She grows up and changes throughout the book, earning her way to the status she deserved; yet her voice is still believably modest even as she outperforms all of the other students. Her emotions are so well realized; when she fell in love, I very clearly remembered what it was like myself, and I felt her pain at times like it was my own.
Girl in Translation is a poignant story about a girl who must find her way in a foreign culture and prove her true potential to her new country. I very much enjoyed it and I would certainly recommend it to someone who enjoys the classic immigrant story.
I am an Amazon Associate. I received this book for free from the publisher for review.
I absolutely adored this book! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Julie P.´s last post …Review: Time of My Life
I have this on my TBR pile of books from publishers, too. I’m glad to see so many positive reviews!
At first glance, I didn’t think much of this one, but after reading your review it sounds like something I would enjoy. If you like memoirs and haven’t already read these, you should try Esmeralda Santiago’s books. The first one was When I was Puerto Rican, which details her childhood in Puerto Rico, but then she moves to the US. I really anjoyed all three of them (Almost a Woman and The Turkish Lover are the other two) and I can’t wait until her new one is released.
Stephanie´s last post …Book Review: Rubyfruit Jungle
It took awhile for this book to grow on me, but when it did, I had a great time with it. Life for Kim was just so hard, and a lot of the book was very sad. I was really glad when things started to turn around for the little family, but the cheating scandal made me really angry!! Glad to hear that you loved this one as well. Your review was wonderful!
zibilee´s last post …Heart of Lies by M.L. Malcolm — 336 pgs
I’m fascinated by immigrant stories, and I’m so glad to see you liked it because I won a copy of this book not too long ago. I’m looking forward to reading it.
Anna´s last post …And the Winner of The Last Leaf Is…
I love immigrant stories, too, so I’m really anxious to read this one. It sounds wonderful.
I’ve had this one on my wishlist for a while, but I’m even more eager to read it now! Love that beautiful cover, too.
Meg´s last post …Bring books back to Nashville
This does sound like a good book. I’m not sure if I’m attracted to immigrant stories necessarily, but I do like love stories.
heidenkind´s last post …BBAW 2010 is Coming!
I am glad to see you enjoyed this! I own it and had started it, but got distracted by other shiny things. I will have to pick it back up!
Kailana´s last post …The Faceless Ones by Derek Landy (Skulduggery Series, Book 3)
Me too! I love immigration stories and this sounds like a winner.
Beth F´s last post …Audiobook Week: Quick Meme
I love when a character grows through the story, and I am always curious to see how one adapts in a new place with such cultural differences. Your review makes me even more curious to read this one!
kay @ Infiniteshelf´s last post …Review – Notes on a Scandal
I have to say I usually love immigrant stories: they are filled with so much promise. Sadly, that promise of a better future full of new and exciting opportunities is so rarely realized. It’s tragic but so true. I’m definitely interested in reading this one. I’ve seen it a lot at the book store and reading some reviews have led to the same conclusion: this is definitely a book worth reading.
Jennifer´s last post …Review- Enchanted- Inc
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