There are two threads in this book, we start with Chen, a waiter living in London with his wife and sister-in-law and infant son and follow them a few years. The interesting character is Lily, who isn't much liked but seems to have the strongest sense of purpose and drive of the family. The second thread is a dead boring gang narrative which motivates some of the action in Chen's story and was probably considered relevant when the book was published, but hasn't any of the life of the internal family story. ( )

This has been lent to me by a friend who is very keen on stories from around the world. it is the story of a Chinese family recently arrived in England in the 60s, and trying to make their way in the new takeaway industry, and how they cope with involvement from the Triads. I found the eprsonalities within the family attractive, and enjoyed reading about how they view English culture, but the book can get too bogged down in detail about Triad rituals. ( )

Written from the heart, this book simply feels true. ( )

La confrontación de dos familias chinas en el Londres de los años sesenta: los Chen, un joven matrimonio de Hong Kong, que trata de adaptarse a su nuevo hogar, y la «familia» Hung, una de las más importantes organizaciones que controlan drogas, juego y usura en el abigarrado y colorido Soho. El destino de ambas confluirá, entre sangrientas guerras mafiosas, luchas de poder, el descubrimiento de una cultura nueva y la picaresca de la supervivencia. ( )

Have read a couple of other books by Mo, so was surprised that I had never heard of this one.

A great little find - set in '60s England, the Chen family are coming to terms with life outside of HK. Chen is a simple man with a determined wife, they decide to set up a take-away with the help of his sister-in-law. Unfortunately, the long reach of the Triads enters their lives.

Good characters with a few very funny scenes, thoroughly recommend this. ( )