Review: The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling


Wai Chim's latest YA is a tempting hot pot of teenage coming-of-age angst, family values, cultural cohesion, mental health oh and yes, dumplings! This is a hearty, satisfying read about Anna, the eldest child in a Chinese immigrant family who rely on the family restaurant to survive. That premise alone could have been redolent with cultural stereotypical clichés however Chim has blended Anna's story with the careful addition of a host of interesting and authentic ingredients; characters like, Rory, who is the local delivery boy for the restaurant and also, ultimately Anna's first love and saviour.

As Anna trudges through her 11th year in High School, she is repeatedly put upon to keep the home fires burning for her younger tween sister, Lily and 6-year-old baby brother, Michael. Their overworked father is rarely at home, dossing in the restaurant storeroom under a cover of avoidance.

Perhaps the character that both disturbs and delights the most is Ma, Anna's mother whose typical tiger-mother Chinese reactions are tarnished by a crippling anxiety condition that effectively removes her from their lives as surely as if she were living in another country.

Anna's own reactions are directed by her anxieties to be as 'normal' as possible and governed by her superstitious interpretations of all the 'signs' around her. It's a self-combusting combination that comes to a head after their mother is finally committed. Make sure you have a few tissues on hand as Anna gradually comes to realise the true essence of normal and love.

Xiao Long Bau - Shanghainese Soup Dumpling (my personal favourite!)

I love the gentle way Anna's revelation is made in this story and how mental wellness is respectfully addressed; it is somehow so full of healthy conviction, real hurt and powerful hope. Good dumplings may not fix everything and in life you may 'dim sum and lose sum!’ (sorry), but as in many cultures, the making, sharing and cherishing of good food, is at the heart of a strong family and healthy community.

The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling finesses that premises to full sumptuous effect.

Title: The Surprising Power of  A Good Dumpling
Author: Wai Chim
Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children’s, $19.99
Publication Date: August 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760631581
For ages: 12 – 16
Type: Young Adult Fiction

Buy the Book: Allen & Unwin, Boomerang Books


Comments

Norah Colvin said…
Thanks for your review, Dimity. It sounds like a good book.
12 August 2019 at 21:32
DimbutNice said…
I do enjoy Wai's novels and their gritty accurate take on contemporary Australia or at least one view of it. :-0
12 August 2019 at 21:44
Master House Chinese Restaurant said…
Thanks For Sharing! Such a Great Information About dumplings. We Also Providing Dumplings in Hamilton. If Anyone Get Dumplings in a Reasonable Price. So Please Visit Our Website Today! We Are Waiting For You.
7 August 2020 at 17:13
Chinese Restaurant Gold Coast Australia said…
This blog beautifully captures the essence of dumplings! Your insights into their cultural significance and the joy they bring to gatherings are spot on. I appreciate the vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes that make this review truly delightful. Thank you!
30 September 2024 at 20:10
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