Starting in 1947 in Shanghai, we are introduced to Suchi and the Zhang family, along with Haiwen and the Wang family. These childhood friends, now sweethearts, are on the brink of separation. Civil War has engulfed China, and Haiwen is set to join the Nationalist Army, driven by family duty. The narrative then jumps to 2008, where Suchi and Haiwen (now known as Howard) unexpectedly meet in an Asian supermarket in Los Angeles. The subsequent chapters reveal their stories, beginning with their first meeting in Japanese-occupied Shanghai in 1937. Their journeys lead them to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and ultimately the United States. Despite the joys they may have experienced, they carry deep scars and trauma. As teenagers, a fortune teller foresaw that they would be repeatedly drawn back to each other. As they reconnect in their later years, will fate finally keep them together?
Homeseeking is an impressive debut by author Karissa Chen. Drawing inspiration from family history, this story is emotional and fascinating, highlighting aspects of China's history. The universal theme of lives torn apart by war is illustrated through the decades-long separation of Suchi and Haiwen. Notably, the story is presented through alternating perspectives. Suchi's narrative progresses in time, while Haiwen/Howard's moves backward, with some exceptions. This underscores the powerful forces that have worked against them throughout their lives. This book has already garnered numerous well-deserved accolades, and I anticipate it will appear on many "best of" lists by the year's end. I highly recommend reading it.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.
Historical Fiction.
Publication Date: January 7, 2025.
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