Takeaway

Takeaway by Angela Hui is a deeply personal and compelling memoir that explores themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage through the lens of life in a Chinese takeaway in rural Wales. Angela's childhood is a unique blend of the challenges and joys that come with growing up in a family-run business that serves as both a livelihood and a home.

In vivid and heartfelt prose, Angela recounts her family's experiences, from the daily rhythm of preparing meals and serving customers to the more poignant moments of dealing with racial discrimination and community hostility. The takeaway is more than just a business; it is a place where family bonds are strengthened over shared meals, where cultural traditions are upheld, and where a sense of belonging is fostered despite the adversities faced.

Amidst the backdrop of a bustling takeaway, Angela navigates the complexities of growing up between two cultures. She shares the warmth of family dinners before the rush of evening service, the excitement of research trips to Hong Kong, and the unique camaraderie with her brothers as they prepare for the weekend crush of orders. This intimate setting offers a window into the richness of her cultural heritage and the strength of familial love.

Through Angela's eloquent storytelling, readers are transported from her earliest memories in the takeaway to the poignant moment when her family decides to close the shop after 30 years of dedication and hard work. The narrative is a celebration of resilience and the enduring spirit of a family who found beauty and joy amidst the challenges of their unique circumstances.

Takeaway is not just a memoir about food; it is a poignant exploration of what it means to find your identity in a place that often feels foreign. With endorsements from notable figures such as Ruby Tandoh, who praises it as "compellingly written, tender and thoughtful," and Annie Lord, who describes it as "a warm, incandescent memoir," this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of food, culture, and personal history.