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Strangers on a Pier

Portrait of a Family
By Tash Aw
4.18 goodreads logo

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( 1,106 ratings, 169 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Strangers on a Pier by Tash Aw reflects on themes of migration, identity, and belonging. The author delves into his family's history and personal anecdotes, piecing together a narrative that explores the complexities of the immigrant experience and how it shapes one's sense of self.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you enjoy intimate memoirs that explore themes of family, migration, and identity through lyrical and evocative prose. The narrative delves deeply into the author's reflections on his family's journey and his own place in the world, offering a poignant and thought-provoking reading experience.

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Strangers on a Pier

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Strangers on a Pier by Tash Aw is a profoundly moving exploration of identity, migration, and the complexities of modern Asia. Through personal anecdotes and family history, Aw invites readers on a journey that spans from the bustling streets of present-day Bangkok to the nostalgic memories of 1980s Kuala Lumpur, and further back to his grandfathers' perilous voyages from mainland China to Malaysia in the 1920s.

As we follow Aw's narrative, we are introduced to a vibrant tapestry of cultures and experiences. We see the intimate moments and monumental events that shape the lives of insiders and outsiders alike. Aw's story captures scenes from rural villages to glitzy megacity nightclubs, painting a vivid picture of a region both embracing rapid modernisation and holding onto its rich, sometimes painful, past. He delves into the nuances of language, dialects, and slang, providing a sense of immediacy and authenticity to the reader.

The narrative begins in a taxi ride through modern Bangkok, a microcosm of the bustling and dynamic transformation that Asia has undergone. It then shifts to Aw's childhood memories in Malaysia, where he recalls the simple yet striking image of eating Kentucky Fried Chicken in Kuala Lumpur. These personal reflections are intertwined with historical accounts, giving readers a sense of the passage of time and the persistent threads that connect generations.

Award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie praises the book, stating, "So wise and so well done. It made me wish it were much longer than it is," while Deborah Levy adds, "If we are lucky we will find writing that grips us with its vitality, beauty, and significance - Strangers on a Pier is like that." These endorsements underscore the book's powerful impact and literary merit.

Strangers on a Pier is not just a memoir but a narrative that captures the essence of cultural identity and the ongoing search for belonging in a constantly changing world. Tash Aw’s eloquent prose and keen insights create an intricate, emotionally resonant, and visually compelling portrait of contemporary Asia. This is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the intricate layers of migration, family heritage, and the complex dynamics of a region at the crossroads of tradition and modernity.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The book offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on a life lived in intriguing times and places. It is particularly lyrical and utilises a format that allows for an exploration of social commentary, personal stories, and introspection. The book delves into themes of Chineseness in Malaysia, inherited immigrant markings, and the impact of moving for greater opportunities, charting personal and ancestral histories.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008421274

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 02 September 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Fourth Estate Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 13.0mm

Width: 135.0mm

Height: 204.0mm

Weight: 190g

Pages: 96

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About the Author

Tash Aw was born in Taipei, in the Republic of China, andbrought up in Malaysia. He moved to England in his teens andnow lives in London. He is the author of ‘The Harmony Silk Factory’, which was the winner of the Whitbread First Novel Award and the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Novel and was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, and ‘Map of the Invisible World’. His most recent novel, ‘Five Star Billionaire’, was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2013.

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