The Jade Peony
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Book Overview
Chinatown, Vancouver, in the late 1930s and 40s provides the setting for this poignant first novel, told through the vivid and intense reminiscences of the three younger children of an immigrant family. They each experience a very different childhood, depending on age and sex, as they encounter the complexities of birth and death, love and hate, kinship and otherness. Mingling with the realities of Canada and the horror of war are the magic, ghosts, paper uncles and family secrets of Poh-Poh, or Grandmother, who is the heart and pillar of the family. Wayson Choy's Chinatown is a community of unforgettable individuals who are neither this nor that, neither entirely Canadian nor Chinese. But with each other's help, they survive hardship and heartbreak with grit and humour."
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:1550544683
ISBN13:9781550544688
Release Date:April 2011
Publisher:Douglas & McIntyre
Length:278 Pages
Weight:0.76 lbs.
Dimensions:0.8" x 5.1" x 7.6"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
A Fantastic Read
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
The Jade Peony is a poignant tale about three Chinese children growing up in Vancouver's Chinatown during world war 2. Wayson Choy's writing is beautiful, searing, and eloquent. This book will keep you hooked. No wonder it won the Trillium Award. I had the honor of meeting Wayson Choy. He is a delightful person, and his talent definitely shines through in his works. Highly recommended to anyone!
A Beautiful Book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
If you ever visit Vancouver, read this book while you are there. You can picture the family going to the docks, looking at the north shore mountains. And while many of the old homes are gone, a vibrant Chinatown and the streets he mentions are still there. He makes the book come alive. Perhaps you will even see Grandmama's shadow!
An Excellent Read!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
This book is a heartwarming tale of children in Vancouver's Chinatown in the 30's and 40's, their struggles, victories, and losses. Centered around 3 childrens lives which are completely different except for their relationships with each other, it presents many interesting challenges and victories over the obstacles that hinder us all.
Powerful ....
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
THis is an amazing book! MY father grew up in Chinatown (Vancouver) at appox. the same time, it's nice to read and try to understand his early life. I read the first part in a matter of days. It was so powerful that I cried, in the middle of the waiting room at my doctors office. I still have not read the entire book as I'm scared to experence such powerful emotions, in public. I will finish it though.
Choy's beautiful Peony
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I enjoyed this book immensely. It is a wonderful account of the lives of three young Chinese-Canadians in the 30's and 40's. The descriptive work enthralled me for hours, I just couldn't put it down. The characters were absolutely enchanting. I especially enjoyed the character of "Sekky", the "weak" one. The way that Choy tells a story is absolutely fantastic. I am definetly going to find some more of his work!
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