The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling by Wai Chim
Pages: 392
Publish date: August 5th 2019
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
ISBN: 9781760631581
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD
Anna Chiu has her hands pretty full looking after her brother and sister and helping out at her dad’s restaurant, all while her mum stays in bed. Dad’s new delivery boy, Rory, is a welcome distraction and even though she knows that things aren’t right at home, she’s starting to feel like she could just be a normal teen.
But when Mum finally gets out of bed, things go from bad to worse. And as Mum’s condition worsens, Anna and her family question everything they understand about themselves and each other.
A nourishing tale about the crevices of culture, mental wellness and family, and the surprising power of a good dumpling.
The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling:
I’ve been wanting to pick up a Wai Chim book for some time now. Not only is she a lovely human being, but she writes about things that matter, that not many other people do. And I love that. When I first read the synopsis of The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling I nearly jumped out of my seat. This book was for me. And let me tell you it’s just as amazing as it sounds. And of course, this was one of my picks for the CBCA Clayton’s Night.
Anna Chiu has a lot going on in her life. She is looking after her younger brother and sister, helping in her dad’s restaurant and trying to make it through school. While this all happens, her mother hasn’t moved from her bed. Anna simply doesn’t know what to do. And then she meets Rory, the new driver for her dad’s restaurant and as they begin to get closer, Anna finds something that truly makes her happy. But when her mum finally gets out of bed, things go from bad to worse.
I thought that Anna was the perfect protagonist for The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling. From the very first page, I was able to feel everything that she felt. I was able to connect with her and that only grew as the novel went on. Anna goes through a lot throughout the novel and most of it is hard to read at times. But I loved that she was able to show weakness. It made her character feel very much real. I also loved that she wanted to help her father, that she felt that is where she needed it to be.
Wai Chim explores Anna’s characters just so well. Her character arc is amazing and the reader gets to see Anna go on a journey throughout the novel. And they want to go on this journey with her. I admired that Anna second-guessed herself and everything that was happening around her. She didn’t let it just slide by.
Rory oh my sweet Rory. I just want to give him the biggest heart imaginable. He caught my eye as soon as he came into the novel. Rory stands on his own but he also didn’t take over the novel either. Rory is this full character that adds something more to Anna’s life and that was amazing. But Rory’s life isn’t easy and I loved that this was explored. I adored that he pushed Anna to do new things and see things from different perspectives. While also honouring everything about Anna and the way she lives.
The romance in The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling was amazing. I loved it. Anna and Rory are adorable and they melted my heart. I loved how much they respected one another and took the time to understand why others live the lives they do. While Anna and Rory to have different dynamics they were able to find solace in one another and find this happy medium. One of the main reasons why I loved the romance in the novel was that it didn’t overpower the book, but also it was there and so beautiful.
The notion of mental health is a major theme throughout The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling by Wai Chim. It is explored in many different ways and through different characters. I think that is one of the main reasons why I loved this book so much. It showed that mental illness isn’t just this one thing. It comes in many different shapes, forms and be experienced by anyone. Anna’s family goes through a lot through the book, especially with her mother. Her mental health is very unstable and this leads to many ups and downs. This puts a lot of pressure on Anna, as she tries to keep her family afloat.
The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling explores the dark side of mental illness through the novel and sometimes that was hard to read. The struggles that Anna’s mum goes through and how it affects the whole family was devastated and how Anna tried to manage it all. Especially regarding the relationship between mental illness and culture. But I also loved that this was looked at it. On the other side, we have Rory, who not only has his mental health to deal with, but also mangers to help Anna understand her mothers. I loved this and it made me admired Rory even more,
I adored the writing style of Wai Chim so much. It’s captivating and powerful. The reader goes on this journey with all the characters, through many ups and downs. Most of the time it isn’t easy but Wai Chim writes it in a way that captures everything about it. I think this is one of the best books I’ve read regarding mental illness and everything that comes with it. Especially when it’s one of the parents that do suffer. I also think that Wai Chim writes all types of relationships exceptionally well. From family dynamics to romance. It was all done so fantastic.
The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling truly captures what it’s like trying to live with mental illness. And while it explores the very dark times of living with a mental illness, it also shows that there is light in the darkness. There are ways to heal, but it’s not easy, it’s not instant. And sometimes it only takes a few small steps to get the ball rolling.
The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling by Wai Chim is an empowering novel that explores family, mental health and trying to find your own feet. While there is darkness in this novel and sometimes you feel like there is no hope. There is also warmth. It has one of the cutest romances ever. Anna and Rory were adorable together. They made my heart scream it was so beautiful.
Have you read The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling by Wai Chim? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading it? What are other #LoveOzYA’s that you have loved this year? Let’s Chat!
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