Girl in Translation

This is a touching book that explores the hardships and sacrifices a person faces as they adapt to a new culture. The primary focus of the book is the determination and inner strength necessary for immigrants to survive and integrate into a foreign culture. The story is told through the experiences of a young Chinese girl who immigrates to the US with her mother. Kwok makes her fears and frustrations palpable and adeptly demonstrates the pressure and tension Kimberly feels as she struggles to understand the language, cultural differences, and the poverty-stricken conditions of their life.

The author also demonstrates that the strong bond between mother and daughter is the glue that holds them together during their near-constant battle to overcome obstacles. It's interesting to note that this author's personal experiences come into play as she emigrated from Hong Kong to the United States. The extraordinary perspective and nuances present in this book reflect this. In short, a moving coming-of-age story with complex characters and many intriguing layers. An excellent book for anyone who enjoys character-driven novels and appreciates a beautiful, clear writing style. Very nice debut.

From the author of Searching for Sylvie Lee, this iconic debut novel tells the story of Kimberly Chang and her mother, who emigrate from Hong Kong to Brooklyn. By day, Kimberly is an exceptional schoolgirl. By night, she works in a Chinatown sweatshop alongside her mother. Navigating poverty, cultural expectations, and a secret love, Kimberly constantly translates not just language but her identity between two worlds.

Based on Jean Kwok's own experiences, Girl in Translation shines a light on the hidden lives of immigrant families-those caught between ambition, survival, and loyalty. It's a moving coming-of-age story filled with resilience, heartbreak, and hope.

1. Throughout Girl in Translation, the author uses creative spelling to show Kimberly's mis-hearing and misunderstanding of English. How does the language of the novel evolve as she matures? How do the roles of English and Chinese shift?

2. Kimberly must translate far more than language. What other areas of her life require translation-identity, priorities, expectations, behavior? Why are these moments significant?

3. Compare Kimberly's relationships with Matt and Curt. Why does she ultimately choose one over the other? What does this reveal about her values?

4. Kimberly becomes the effective head of household after immigrating. Was this inevitable? How might Ma feel about this shift? In what ways does Ma still act as a traditional mother?

5. Kimberly often imagines her life if her father had lived. Do you think she is right to believe things would have been easier?

6. Kimberly's friend Annette never grasps the extent of Kimberly's poverty. What does this say about privilege? Is Kimberly right to hide her home life?

7. School represents her path out of poverty. Does it always meet her expectations? What helps her succeed-and what fails her?

8. How is Kimberly's immigrant story both universal and unique? How does it compare to other immigrant narratives?

9. Were you surprised by the level of poverty Kimberly endures? Did this book affect your views of immigration?

10. The story is set in the 1980s. How might the immigrant experience be different-or similar-today?