Set in the Depression Era and a time and place hostile to Chinese, these chapters shimmer with period detail and impressions. The author paints us a world an era and almost a century away, skillfully drawing up images using colorful adjectives and metaphor. We can almost smell this world, thanks to the sniffer of Gemma (née Gam Wun or “fresh cloud”), and she’s a protagonist to watch. She’s outspoken, witty, sharp-tongued, crafty and determined to succeed. She’s persistent at making money selling flowers, not above gouging customers and easily sweet talking lawmen who demand permit papers.
The 1930s Los Angeles brims with energy, vibrancy and barely leashed racial tension. Chinese people are crammed into Los Angeles Chinatown and looked at askance when they venture out of it. Film stars are tolerated if they’re Asian but non-cinematic Chinese had better stay in their lane. If you’re a member of a minority that’s ever been overly scrutinized by the police, it’s an all-too-familiar scenario.
The opening chapters set the scene and tone of this tight-knit community admirably, so much so that the murder comes as a shock and also no surprise. Someone has it in for Chinese. Why not attack a movie star?
The 1930s Los Angeles brims with energy, vibrancy and barely leashed racial tension. Chinese people are crammed into Los Angeles Chinatown and looked at askance when they venture out of it. Film stars are tolerated if they’re Asian but non-cinematic Chinese had better stay in their lane. If you’re a member of a minority that’s ever been overly scrutinized by the police, it’s an all-too-familiar scenario.
The opening chapters set the scene and tone of this tight-knit community admirably, so much so that the murder comes as a shock and also no surprise. Someone has it in for Chinese. Why not attack a movie star?