Originally published in 1957, The Flower Drum Song was a groundbreaking work of popular literature. An immediate bestseller, it inspired the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.
This charming, bittersweet tale of romance and the powerful bonds of family tells the story of Wang Ta, who wants what every young American man wants: a great career and a woman to love.
Living in San Francisco's Chinatown-with his widowed father, Old Master Wang, who misses the old way of life in China, and his younger brother, who just wants to be a normal American teenager-Wang Ta becomes involved with a series of women as he searches for love and the American dream. Comic, poignant, and sexy, The Flower Drum Song is an astute portrayal of immigrants struggling with assimilation. This edition features a new introduction by David Henry Hwan
My Comments :
I got this from Subang Jaya Book Exchange Programme thanks to nylusmilk.
At first I have no idea why this book is so popular. Everyone that noticed this book was exclaiming "wow!".
After reading it, i know the reason. It's really a wonderful book.
It describe the crash of the old Patriarch trying to get his sons to retain the old Chinese culture and the pull of modernisation and western culture.
It also described vividly what was happening at Chinatown during that time.
The character, May Li and Old Man Li, added much charm in the book. It's refreshing to read of their naivety and how innocent they were despite that they have been in the service for General White before.
I like the story very much and I wondered Chinese girls at America during that time were as selfish as described by the character Chang.
Yes, this has certainly been an entertaining read for me. My only regret is that I was not born soon enough to watch the musical.
My sister-in-law who is a great fan of Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals would love this book, thanks for recommending it.
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