41 pages • 1 hour read
Jean KwokGirl In Translation
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2010A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok follows Kimberley Chang and her mother as they navigate life after emigrating from Hong Kong to New York City in the 1980s. Through Kim's perspective, we witness her balancing academic excellence with factory labor, striving for a better future amidst poverty and cultural challenges, ultimately pursuing her dreams over personal sacrifices. The book contains scenes involving extreme poverty and significant emotional hardship.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Jean Kwok's Girl In Translation is lauded for its vivid storytelling and authentic depiction of the immigrant experience. Reviewers praise Kwok's relatable characters and emotional depth, highlighting the protagonist's resilience. However, some critiques mention occasional predictability and uneven pacing. Overall, it's a compelling and heartfelt narrative that resonates with many readers.
Who Should Read Girl In Translation?
A reader who would enjoy Girl In Translation by Jean Kwok is likely someone who appreciates immigrant stories, coming-of-age narratives, and themes of resilience. Fans of The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan and The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri will find this novel particularly captivating.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsLexile Level
840LBook Details
Chinese Literature
Asian Literature
Modern Classic Fiction
Values/Ideas: Music
Natural World: Appearance & Reality
Asian Literature