Watch people when they win, and you will learn something. But watch them when they lose, and you will learn even more.

-Chang Yu-i

*SPOILER ALERT

In my Women in Chinese History class, we were assigned to read a memoir Bound Feet Western Dress by Pang-Mei Natasha Chang. It is about Pang-Mei’s experiences growing up in United States which contrast with her great aunt, Yu-i’s experiences growing up in China. According to Yu-i, she “was born in changing times” (1900) during which the Qing dynasty ended and changes were imminently coming to China. I think this memoir was relatable and a fast and easy to read. I can feel how Yu-i felt during her saddest moments of her life and I learned interesting history about famous Chinese people while reading this book. I like learning about Chinese history, but to read it from a person who was there during all these events enhanced my understanding of China and the culture. I can relate to Pang-Mei’s personal experiences such as not hanging out with the Chinese native speakers at her university because she felt that she could not fit in with them. Although this book does not have any mention about the Chinese communist revolution, it is because this book focuses on Yu-i’s life abroad in England and Germany and her eventual return to China. Yu-i immigrated first to Hong Kong then to the United States. One of the themes of this book is immigration and my ancestors have immigrated from Germany and Hainan Island to other countries. I recommend this memoir to those who want to learn more about Chinese history as well as those who want to find an author that they can relate to in terms of experiences growing up in the U.S. If you are an immigrant, share with us your immigration story below! If you have ancestors who immigrated to the U.S., what are the reasons why they immigrated?

Mei’s rating: Four Stars