Hollow bamboo : [kit] a novel / William Ping

Hollow bamboo : [kit] a novel / William Ping

By
Ping, William.

Publication Date
2023

Publication Information
Toronto : HarperCollins Publishers,

Physical Description
Books.+ 1 discussion question booklet + 1 biographical booklet.

Subject Term
Generation Y -- Fiction.
 
Racially mixed people -- Fiction.
 
Chinese fiction.
 
Immigrants -- Canada -- Fiction.
 
Grandfathers -- Fiction.
 
Racism -- Fiction.

Geographic Term
Newfoundland and Labrador -- Fiction.

Genre
Autobiographical fiction.
 
Humorous fiction.
 
Canadian fiction.

Series
BOOKCLUB KIT
 
BOOKCLUB KIT.

Summary
The hilarious and heartbreaking story of two William Pings in Newfoundland -- the lost millennial and the grandfather he knows nothing about. William Ping’s millennial life revolves around eating at restaurants, posting online about eating at restaurants, then overanalyzing it. This changes unexpectedly when a dinner with his Chinese girlfriend’s family goes sideways and his insecurity about his biracial identity and his ignorance of his own Chinese heritage overflow like lava. During a much-needed break from the dinner table, Will is visited in the men’s room by a sarcastic, bullying spirit named Mo. The spirit whisks him into the past to learn about the life of his grandfather, the first William Ping, who emigrated from China to Newfoundland in 1931 to work in a laundry. Based on a true story, Hollow Bamboo recounts with humour and sympathy the often-brutal struggles, and occasional successes, faced by some of the first Chinese immigrants in Newfoundland. It is a journey of heartbreak, sacrifice, brotherhood and family ties. But most of all, it is about love and survival on the Rock. Drawing on elements of magical realism, autofiction and satire, as well as deep historical research, Hollow Bamboo is a fresh and original portrayal of our past and our present, and the debut of an extraordinary new author.

Audience
For bookclub participants.

Language
English

ISBN
9781443466530


LibraryCollectionCollectionCall NumberStatus
St. John's - A.C. Hunter (SJH)Bookclub Kit NLBookclub Kit NLFIC PINChecked out