Complex, juicy, melodramatic family sagas are one of my favorite book genres and this one is a great new addition to my collection!

With a narrative mirroring Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, this novel follows The Chao family, owners of a Chinese restaurant in Haven, WI. Immigrants Leo and Winnie came to America to start their business and a family. Leo Chao, the patriarch, is brash, cruel, and cutthroat. He’s so emotionally abusive, Winnie ends up joining a Buddhist organization where her spiritual and emotional needs are met. James is the youngest and most vulnerable. Ming, the middle, resides in NYC and wants nothing to do with his family. Dagou, the oldest and head chef, is mired in romantic drama and works overtime to defy his father by trying to prove he’s better in all aspects of business and life.

When all the Chaos (I don’t think the “chaos” pun is an accident!) meet for the annual Christmas party, all of their issues come to the fore, particularly Leo’s horrific treatment of his family and Dagou’s deep resentment. The action ramps up with a murder, trial, twists and turns in the narrative, and revelations by characters as they respond to the drama.

I really enjoyed this book! Maybe it’s my Gen X/MTV gen status, but the beginning was a bit too slow, but finally picked up 2/3 of the way through. All in all, this smartly conceived novel explores various issues—emotional abuse in families, anti-Asian-immigrant stereotypes and racism, and the complex and often toxic bonds of family—with humor, emotion, and cultural insight. It’s a great book for those who love complicated, intense family sagas but also know that most times issues linger and aren’t easily resolved. Immerse yourself in this crackling family drama!