This sweeping story begins in 1948 during the Chinese Revolution. At thirteen, Ang Li-Hai is the eldest daughter of her family. Her mother Chiang-Yue has yet to fulfill her true role as a wife as she has not produced a son and heir for the affluent Ang family. She is treated no better than a servant by Nai Nai, her husband's hateful mother. Once the Communist Army begins to take over the properties of wealthy landowners, Hai's father and the rest of his family flee from Shandong leaving his wife and daughters behind. Forced from their home or face death, Chiang-Yue and her daughters become refugees. Their goal is to travel to Taiwan. But they first have to face unbearable conditions to survive.
Daughters of Shandong is an incredibly moving story inspired by author Eve J. Chung's family history. Told from Hai's perspective, the pain and struggles she experienced were heartbreaking. Hai is determined to live a life free of the sexist restrictions she's had to endure. Chung's powerful debut about a mother's love and the inner strength of a young woman to overcome great hardship will surely stay with me.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Historical Fiction.
Publication Date: May 7, 2024.
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