Incredible Writing + Biting Social Commentary
LAND OF BIG NUMBERS, Te-Ping Chen's debut short story collection, gives voice to the people of modern China and its diaspora. Her stories weave a tale of people searching for freedom and opportunity where mobility is limited.
Short story collections are typically not my preferred genre, but Te-Ping Chen has completely won me over! The themes of pursuit and longing permeate this text, and more than one of these short stories left me speechless. A month later, I'm still thinking about the first story in the collection.
Chen's social commentary is biting, expertly holding up human motivations and desires to the light. I loved that she didn't shy away from the messy, complicated struggle of life, but instead makes us truly examine ourselves, as uncomfortable as the experience may be.
Highlights include Lulu, New Fruit, Field Notes on a Marriage, and Gubeiko Spirit. I look forward to reading Te-Ping Chen's future works!
Short story collections are typically not my preferred genre, but Te-Ping Chen has completely won me over! The themes of pursuit and longing permeate this text, and more than one of these short stories left me speechless. A month later, I'm still thinking about the first story in the collection.
Chen's social commentary is biting, expertly holding up human motivations and desires to the light. I loved that she didn't shy away from the messy, complicated struggle of life, but instead makes us truly examine ourselves, as uncomfortable as the experience may be.
Highlights include Lulu, New Fruit, Field Notes on a Marriage, and Gubeiko Spirit. I look forward to reading Te-Ping Chen's future works!