Quill and Quire

REVIEWS

« Back to
Book Reviews

Struggle and Hope: The Story of Chinese Canadians

by Paul Yee

In this book, Paul Yee, who holds an MA in history from the University of British Columbia, presents a detailed survey and engaging account of the history of the Chinese in Canada, from the impoverished coolie labourers of the late 19th century to the millionaire investor-category immigrants of the late 20th century. Aimed at juvenile readers, this book is thoroughly researched and effectively written, reflecting the author’s command not only of the facts and issues of Chinese-Canadian history, but of Chinese and Canadian history respectively.

The book consists of a running narrative divided into two parts: “Early Generations (1858-1867)” and “Recent Times (1967-Present).” Interspersed throughout the book are thumbnail sketches, conveniently set off in green boxes, which provide interesting anecdotes, fascinating personal testimonies, and pertinent background information. The book contains an impressive array of vintage photographs, which help convey a sense of the living conditions and experiences of the earliest immigrants. The last chapter of the book is a Who’s Who listing of famous Chinese Canadians with brief biographical sketches. In addition, there are two chronologies (one of the history of the Chinese in Canada, and another of general Chinese history), a suggested list for further reading, and a handy index. These features make this book not only highly informative, but also easy to use.

In Struggle and Hope, the author documents and celebrates the positive contributions the Chinese have made to the Canadian social fabric without whitewashing the historical dark spots or downplaying the contemporary challenges that face this rapidly growing and increasingly diverse community of 600,000. The author does not shy away from sensitive political and social issues such as institutional discrimination and systemic racism, but avoids wallowing in past and current injustices. The book has an upbeat tone that makes it a very pleasant read.

Struggle and Hope is an excellent book that should be part of every junior high and high school library and multicultural curriculum. It is especially important reading material for each successive generation of young Chinese-Canadians who will be dealing with issues of ethnicity and cultural identity.

 

Reviewer: Carsey Yee

Publisher: Umbrella Press

DETAILS

Price: $19.95

Page Count: 96 pp

Format: Cloth

ISBN: 1-895642-14-0

Released: April

Issue Date: 1996-7

Categories: Children and YA Non-fiction, History

Age Range: ages 10+