The Girl Who Wrote In Silk

Historical Fiction fans are going to love this emotionally charged story of the Chinese American struggles and the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act in Seattle; I certainly did. Prior to reading this book I was unaware of this blemish in American History. The story is told from the perspective of two young women; Mei Lien's, which takes place in the 1880's and Inara's in present day.

For me, the lure of Mei Lien's story was stronger than Inara's; the details and nuances of the author's writing brought this era and it's turbulence to life. Mei Liens' is a tale of racism and anti-Chinese sentiment; some of it hard to read and shades of it still true today. I should also note it was not 100% historically accurate and warrants a Google search when done. In contrast, although I loved parts of the present day story, it felt just a bit forced and a large portion of this thread was very dependent on coincidence. Still, a very engrossing story. I loved how Inaras family's past became her present. Recommend!