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Title: The Flower Drum Song by C. Y. Lee, David Henry Hwang ISBN: 0-14-200218-6 Publisher: Penguin USA (Paper) Pub. Date: September, 2002 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.75 (4 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Before Amy Tan there was Ching Yang Lee
Comment: I read this book many years ago and enjoyed so much that I have read everything I could find by Mr. Lee, and since then other Chinese American authors.
It is a shame that for so many years the book was rejected by young Asian Americans as being "too white face" or "Uncle Tom" as it is not so at all. C.Y. Lee was a Chinese immigrant and wrote of the society as he saw it at that time, which is not the way the younger generation, who did not live through the immigrant experience, want to see it. This is not unusual, many well schooled, well fed sucessful Americans do not want to know that their grandparents arrived in steerage with their belongings tied up in kit bag, unable to speak the language, and worked 18 hours a day in menial jobs so that their children could get ahead.
This is a poignant story of Chinese immigrant families in Southern California during the days of the Chinese Exclusion Act, and the difficulty the young American-raised men had in finding a wife. They were not allowed to bring women in from China, and they were not permitted to marry non Asians. Because of the Communist takeover, many Chinese who had dreamed of returning home to China when they retired after working all their lives were unable to do so. The situtation created an artifically stressed society. The book has tragedy and sadness, as well as hope and joy.
My only criticism of the novel, and a mild one at that, is that it frequently reads like a play script, especially in the last chapter, where there is a lot of dialogue, followed by descriptions of the action which read like stage directions. It is possible that the novel was orignally intended to be a play.
Warning, possible spoiler:
The musical version of the book which was also filmed was very loosely based on the novel, in fact one of the major characters was created for the musical. Apparently this has been done again with the new version playing on Broadway. Readers expecting to find a printed version of the musical may be disappointed.
Rating: 5
Summary: A Great Literature for the Ages
Comment: As a child, I saw the film "Flower Drum Song" and fell in love with the film. Though at the time, it was considered a no-no amongst the Chinese community. But none of those who scorn the film had even read either the book or seen the film. It was a beautiful made film that featured Asian actors who sing, dance, performed to a melodic score by one of the most creative song writing team. Therefore, I am so glad that this book is finally come to light and to be re-embraced into literary culture. Perhaps it will hopefully quail those critics who are as narrow-minded as those who thought we are just busboys and Charlie Chans. Be enlightened, and read this great piece of story-telling of a familial saga that we can all relate--regardless if we are Chinese or not. Enjoy, read and be enchanted. As well check out the film--it might change one's opinion.
Rating: 5
Summary: Stands the test of time
Comment: Originally published in 1957, this poignant and charming novel tells of a young man's struggle to fit in. Love, family and all the ups and downs that go with them are told with bittersweet humor. Its re-release is a wonderful companion to David Henry Hwang's new theatrical book which revives the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical on Broadway this year. Hurrah!
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Title:Flower Drum Song (2002 Broadway Revival Cast) ASIN: B00007G77A Publisher: Drg Pub. Date: 07 January, 2003 List Price(USD): $18.98 Comparison N/A, buy it from Amazon for $14.99 |
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Title: Chickencoop Chinaman and the Year of the Dragon by Frank Chin, Dorothy R. McDonald ISBN: 0295958332 Publisher: University of Washington Press Pub. Date: March, 1982 List Price(USD): $15.95 |
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Title:Flower Drum Song ASIN: 6300184242 Publisher: Universal Studios Pub. Date: 07 February, 1991 List Price(USD): $19.98 Comparison N/A, buy it from Amazon for $19.98 |
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Title: World of Suzie Wong by Richard Mason ISBN: 0006121071 Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Pub. Date: 1969 |
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Title: The Woman Warrior : Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts by MAXINE HONG KINGSTON ISBN: 0679721886 Publisher: Vintage Pub. Date: 23 April, 1989 List Price(USD): $12.00 |
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