A Diverse YA Point of View on the Titantic Story
I have always enjoyed historic fiction. Ms. Lee's YA book provides a new and different lens to the tragic ending of the Titanic, so I urge people who think that they know the story of the Titantic to give this book a chance. The book is so much more than just the disaster of this maiden voyage; it is also addresses racism against Chinese and is a good lesson in fighting racial prejudice.
First-person narrator Valora Luck is an intelligent and spirited young lady who is planning to meet up with her twin brother on this famous ship. As she surveys the line of people boarding, her commentary includes information about Chinese laborers possibly being on board, heading to Cuba for laboring jobs. Sadly, even though Valora is dressed in fine, first-class style clothes and Valora's mother is British, making Valora only half Chinese. she is treated with suspicion and the requirement of additional documentation because of her race means she is turned away, despite having a valid ticket!. Her frustration is exacerbated by a lifetime of being treated as inferior.
The tricky manner in which Valora gets on board the ship is quite entertaining, although the willingness of the young American woman, Ms. Hart, to join Valora in her fabricated story seems a bit improbable. However, the ship leaves the dock and Valora is able to locate her brother Jamie on the ship. Now they have to fear whether or not they will be admitted into the USA with its laws to prevent additional Chinese from entering. The promise of adventure and possible pass to enter the United States could lie in the hands of a first class passenger who is part owner of the Ringling Brothers Circus.
First-person narrator Valora Luck is an intelligent and spirited young lady who is planning to meet up with her twin brother on this famous ship. As she surveys the line of people boarding, her commentary includes information about Chinese laborers possibly being on board, heading to Cuba for laboring jobs. Sadly, even though Valora is dressed in fine, first-class style clothes and Valora's mother is British, making Valora only half Chinese. she is treated with suspicion and the requirement of additional documentation because of her race means she is turned away, despite having a valid ticket!. Her frustration is exacerbated by a lifetime of being treated as inferior.
The tricky manner in which Valora gets on board the ship is quite entertaining, although the willingness of the young American woman, Ms. Hart, to join Valora in her fabricated story seems a bit improbable. However, the ship leaves the dock and Valora is able to locate her brother Jamie on the ship. Now they have to fear whether or not they will be admitted into the USA with its laws to prevent additional Chinese from entering. The promise of adventure and possible pass to enter the United States could lie in the hands of a first class passenger who is part owner of the Ringling Brothers Circus.