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j_wx 's review for:
How Much of These Hills Is Gold
by C Pam Zhang
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don't usually enjoy buzzy books, and I have found Zhang's other novels somewhat overly literary in style, but this one delivered both a riveting story and authentically heart-wrenching prose. It well deserves 5 stars.
The story revolves around two young children, orphaned and left to fend for themselves in the American "wild west" of the 19th century. What differentiates them from the usual "western" trope is that they are Chinese -- but also American. As the children of Chinese immigrants, they sit side saddle between two cultures, belonging not to either one.
Their story takes place over a hundred years ago but resonates with the present.
The story revolves around two young children, orphaned and left to fend for themselves in the American "wild west" of the 19th century. What differentiates them from the usual "western" trope is that they are Chinese -- but also American. As the children of Chinese immigrants, they sit side saddle between two cultures, belonging not to either one.
Their story takes place over a hundred years ago but resonates with the present.