- “The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan
In this novel, four Chinese-American women, born in China and raised in the United States, share their stories with their American-born daughters. The book explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, the clash of cultures, and the search for identity. The stories are set against the backdrop of the Chinese diaspora, spanning from the 1920s to the 1970s, and include themes of love, loss, and the struggle to understand one’s heritage.
- “The Second Chinese妻” by Jing-mei Woo
This story focuses on Jing-mei Woo, a young woman who is adopted by a Chinese immigrant family in San Francisco. Jing-mei discovers her adoptive mother’s past and the story of her biological mother, who was a courtesan in China. The narrative delves into themes of identity, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to in order to connect with their roots.
- “The House That Jane Built” by Suyuan Woo
Suyuan Woo, the matriarch of the family, tells the story of her life in China, including her marriage to a wealthy man and her subsequent struggles as a widow. Her narrative is filled with vivid descriptions of her life in a traditional Chinese household and her journey to America, where she hopes to find a better life for her daughter, Jing-mei. This story is a poignant reflection on the sacrifices made by parents for their children and the enduring bond between them.
- “Two Kinds” by Jing-mei Woo
In this poignant short story, Jing-mei’s mother, Suyuan, pushes her to excel in music and academics, expecting her to live up to the mother’s own unfulfilled dreams. Jing-mei’s struggle to meet her mother’s expectations and her own desires to be an individual are at the heart of this narrative. The story raises questions about the pressure of living up to parental expectations and the quest for personal fulfillment.
