THE CHINESE IN AMERICA

Immigration policy, currently and in the past, offers a window into politics past and present. Policies regarding immigration from China and Taiwan, as well as the social and legal barriers facing Chinese immigrants and their descendants, are described in this narrative history. Chang liberally sprinkles the account with excerpts from historical documents, diaries, oral histories, and interviews that add realism and poignancy. Jade Wu’s narration is sensitive, even, and well paced. Her restrained indignation at outrageous events and conditions provides a human dimension. The flat tonality of some of the Chinese names, and some other terms, is somewhat distracting, although the effect becomes less jarring as the book progresses. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]