The Barbarians are Coming

I agree with a previous review that this book is quite different from the more popular genre of Asian American litreature. The traditional Asian American literature usually ends at the point where the protagonist gives up on her cultural roots, and that is only the halfway point in this book. David Wong Louie tells the story of what happens after that point, and provides a touching portrayal of what many first/second generation Asian Americans must go through in the multiple stages - and generations - of their lives. I would recommend this book over many other standard textbooks of Asian American literature classes that reflect Asian American lives as accurately as blaxpoitation films reflect African American lives.

First, a disclaimer: David Wong Louie's name popped off the shelf for me because, about 14 years ago, a literary journal I was editing published one of his early stories. I hadn't really tracked his career since then, but was interested to see what his new work was like, remembering that his prose had been, in my experience, technically polished and brilliantly funny, though rather emotionally flat.As I expected, Louie's keen eye for satire and hilarity remains; and his prose is as high-gloss as ever. But the big, and very pleasant, surprise is the degree to which he has woven beautiful prose, pointed satire and weighty themes (the immigrant experience, how immigrant identities conflict and merge with American identities, etc.) into a deeply moving story. The Barbarians are Coming has the power to make you weep, even while you're laughing. It would be difficult to read it, I think, without profoundly re-evaluating your own behavior toward parents, lovers, children, your own Americanness, and your relationship with whatever ethnic or national identities you hold beyond that Americanness. .... But these are cavils. This is a powerful and beautifully written novel that has the rare power, like a book of Roth's, to combine wit, heart and meaning.

In this novel, Louie explores the tendency of fathers and sons to be at odds with each other. Add the element of cultural identity to the mixture and you have a very heartfelt view of family life, and what makes our own identity. While reading this book I thought long and hard about my own relationships, and what it was that I have been trying to accomplish. Very good.

Sterling Lung grew up in the back of his parents' Chinese laundry. His parents expected Sterling to attend medical school so he could become a doctor. When he rejected their choice to attend a culinary school, Sterling's parents felt he dishonored them.Now twenty-six, Sterling's goal in life is to become the All-American male. However, he will soon find his roots, love interest, and employer pulling at him from different directions. His parents have chosen his Chinese bride, but Sterling wants to make his own selection. He feels very strongly that he is not ready to marry. His girlfriend wants Sterling to commit to a more meaningful relationship, but he is not ready to do so since she is in Iowa studying dentistry. His employer wants him to cook genuine Chinese cuisine, but Sterling studied French cuisine. He will have to "Americanize" the genuine taste. If he honors the wishes of others, Sterling dishonors his own desires.THE BARBARIANS ARE COMING is an incredible tale that provides the audience insight into the discord confronting Chinese-Americans. Sterling is a wonderful protagonist, but it is the support cast that brings him to life. His parents' paradoxical philosophy towards their son is extremely interesting, as they want him to make it in America while remaining Chinese. This cacophony will remind readers of their descendants' struggle between the "old country" and the Americanization of the children. David Wong Louie shows a clever talent that uses wit to describe the inner desires and conflict of his characters.Harriet Klausner

The Barbarians are Coming is a shining example of Asian American literature taken to the next level of sophistication, primarily because it forgoes the cliched, played-out gimmicks of "ethnic genre writing" and instead focuses on characters and situations that are universal to the human experience. Thankfully, the author does not pander to self-exoticism, which unfortunately has become a disturbing trend among many of today's foremost Asian American writers. In the hands of a less capable writer, Sterling's story might have descended into the muck of italicised, explanatory nonsense about mystical ancestors and kitchen gods, but Louie is far too accomplished for that. The Lung family members, though Chinese American, face hardships and conflicts that all people can relate to. This book will make you laugh and cry all in one sitting, as the characters are supremely endearing for their very human faults and desires. Each one of them will undoubtedly remind you of someone you know; perhaps even yourself, at times. David Wong Louie is the present and future of not just Asian American writing, but of American literature in general. Do not miss this book.