num_pages: 240
description: In his first book of stories since The Bridegroom was published in 2000 (Finely wrought . . . Every story here is cut like a stone. Chicago Sun-Times ) National Book Awardwinning Ha Jin gives us a collection that delves into the experience of Chinese immigrants in America. With the same profound attention to detail that is a hallmark of his previous acclaimed works of fiction Ha Jin depicts here the full spectrum of immigrant life and the daily strugglessome minute some grandfaced by these intriguing individuals. A lonely composer takes comfort in the antics of his girlfriend's parakeet; young children decide to change their names so that they might sound more American unaware of how deeply this will hurt their grandparents; a Chinese professor of English attempts to defect with the help of a reluctant former student. All of Ha Jin's characters struggle in situations that stir within them a desire to remain attached to be loyal to their homeland and its traditions as they explore and avail themselves of the freedom that life in a new country offers. In these stark deeply moving acutely insightful and often strikingly humorous stories we are reminded once again of the storytelling prowess of this superb writer.
language: English
title: A Good Fall
publisher: Pantheon