The Family Chao: A Novel
Acclaimed storyteller Lan Samantha Chang returns with “a gorgeous and gripping literary mystery” that explores “family, betrayal, passion, race, culture and the American Dream” (Jean Kwok). Brimming with heartbreak, comedy, and suspense, The Family Chao offers a kaleidoscopic, highly entertaining portrait of a Chinese American family grappling with the dark undercurrents of a seemingly pleasant small town.
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
A very complex family drama that slowly draws you in and once it has its hold on you, you can't stop reading. We have a murder of the patriarch of the Chao family, Leo Chao. Nobody seems to be all that upset about this demise. Not his wife, nor any of his sons. But in a town called Haven, Wisconsin, the residents have been introduced to real Chinese food for the past 35 years. Somebody has to be responsible, but who. When the brothers reunite in Haven, the Chao familyâs secrets and simmering resentments erupt at last, and how they thought they were accepted now makes them question how they are truly viewed when the curtains are lifted. Not even their dog is safe.
We delve into the complex layers within this family and see all that it took for the parents Leo and Winnie to become Americans and how to assimilate. Yet they hung onto their roots and with that, comes resentment and anger from all sides. Often the times of understanding our parents' generation, especially when some are American born, it is hard to relate to our elderâs point of view.
The first half of the book sets the stage and delves into each of the characters but itâs the trial that made it go from 3 to 3.5.
Two words to describe this book: Black aura
â ï¸Triggering topics: It highlights anti-Asian racism and questions the American Dream.
We delve into the complex layers within this family and see all that it took for the parents Leo and Winnie to become Americans and how to assimilate. Yet they hung onto their roots and with that, comes resentment and anger from all sides. Often the times of understanding our parents' generation, especially when some are American born, it is hard to relate to our elderâs point of view.
The first half of the book sets the stage and delves into each of the characters but itâs the trial that made it go from 3 to 3.5.
Two words to describe this book: Black aura
â ï¸Triggering topics: It highlights anti-Asian racism and questions the American Dream.
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.