FICTION

In the Beautiful Country

by Jane Kuo (text) & narrated by Sura Siu
HarperAudio. Jun. 2022. 245p. $16.99. ISBN 9780063119017.
COPY ISBN
Gr 5 Up–Kuo’s debut verse novel is an autobiographically inspired, familiar immigration story, perceptively enhanced by polyglot Siu’s fluency in Cantonese. In Taiwan, she was always Ai Shi—her name starts with “love”—but at birth, Ba also gave her an aspirational American moniker, Anna: “That’s how long I’ve hoped/ for the beautiful country,” what the Chinese call America. In September 1980, Ba, Ma, and 10-year-old Anna are living in Los Angeles County, their new life rife with daily challenges. Ma and Ba run a fast food restaurant with limited English and few customers. Anna faces constant racist bullying as the only Asian student in her class. And yet neighborhood allies and new friends sway the family to stay. The upcoming Land of Broken Promises continues Anna’s story.
VERDICT Siu’s soft, consistent delivery is a soothing balm even in the most uncomfortable moments; new immigrants seeking their stories in books will discover empathic resonance here.
Reviewed by Terry Hong , Mar 24, 2023

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Not If You Break Up with Me First
by Miller, G.F
BOOKS

Any Way You Look
by Siddiqui, Maleeha
BOOKS

Picture a Girl
by Manzer, Jenny
BOOKS

Basil & Dahlia: A Tragical Tale of Sinister Sweetness
by McCullogh, Joy
BOOKS

Olive Blackwood Takes Action!
by Thomas, Sonja
BOOKS

Breaking into Sunlight
by Cochran, John
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?