Immigration

This memoir fits into the growing genre known as ‘immigration narrative,’ as it attempts to address both the personal and political aspects of the immigrant experience. By illustrating the personal experiences of specific immigrants—in this case, the author sand her parents—the memoir develops sympathy and empathy towards people in similar situations. The book first explores these specific immigrants’ reasons for leaving China, such as feeling too restricted by China’s governmental regime: “[My father] often came home mad. He did not like that they could not answer when students asked about something called the Cultural Revolution. ‘They are always listening to us. Watching us. Don’t talk about this, don't acknowledge that’” (19). They also thought that they would have more freedom and better economic opportunities in America. The memoir encourages the reader to understand the immigration impulse.

Unfortunately, Qian and her parents faced many hardships in...