Real Americans: Book Review
Hi friends! Today I’m reviewing Real Americans by Rachel Khong!
GoodReads Rating: 4/5 stars
Rachel Khong’s “Real Americans” is a story of identity, belonging, and the complexities of the immigrant experience in America. Known for her previous work, “Goodbye, Vitamin,” Khong delves into the lives of a Chinese-American family, capturing their struggles, triumphs, and the nuances of their cultural identity.
“Real Americans” follows the lives of the Chen family. Lily Chen is a Chinese-American born to two scientists who fled the Cultural Revolution. The story is narrated through the perspective of various family members, providing a multifaceted view of their experiences. The story begins on the cusp of Y2K, where Lily works as an unpaid intern at a media company and crosses paths with Matthew. Matthew, as a native East Coaster and heir to a vast pharmaceutical empire, couldn’t be more different from her. Fifteen years later, Lily lives on a remote island with her son Nick, who can’t shake the sense that his mother is hiding something. When Nick sets out to find his biological father, the journey unearths the surprising and unexpected inheritances passed down in his family.
“Real Americans” delves into class, race, visibility, family, and inheritance. Khong captures the nuances of trust, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
“Real Americans” is insightful and portrays everything from Chinese history to the ethics of gene editing. Khong can sensitively capture the complexities of identity and belonging. I enjoyed the novel’s multi-perspective narrative because it provided a rich and layered reading experience.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in a family drama that will occupy your thoughts days after reading it!
Thanks for reading!
