"Feathers from a Thousand Li Away"
Amy Tan
Amy Tan is a Chinese-American author known for her novels about mother-daughter relationships and the Chinese immigrant experience. Her most famous work, The Joy Luck Club (1989), is a collection of stories about four Chinese-American daughters and their mothers. Tan’s writing often explores themes of cultural identity, generational conflict, and the search for personal meaning.
Background on the Chinese Immigrant
During the early 20th century, many Chinese immigrants came to America looking for better opportunities. Most faced discrimination, language barriers, and economic hardship. Many worked in low-paying jobs and struggled to fit into American culture, while also trying to maintain their own cultural identity. Family and community were often a source of support, and immigrants tried to keep their traditions and values, despite the challenges they faced.