Foreigners - by E L Shen (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Perfect for fans of Pachinko and Last Night at the Telegraph Club, this propulsive, tender novel follows an immigrant family across generations as they navigate love, belonging, and the great fictions we must weave to preserve a legacy.

For centuries, the Chin family has kept its secrets.

In 1878, Duanfang knows he's destined for greatness. He'll do anything to uphold and protect the legacy of his Manchu family--even if it means hiding his past.

In 1965, Zheng Yi flies from Taiwan to New York City to have a shot at attending an American college. Thrown into a world of parties, prejudice, and a tumultuous romance, Yi worries that New York may be more than she can handle. But just as she is beginning to adjust, she must make a shocking decision that will irrevocably change her life and her future forever.

Today, Dawn Chin's family is opaque at best, with heavy expectations and heavier silences. But an assignment to interview her grandmother is about to crack open her real family history: a legacy hundreds of years old, and a lie decades in the making . . .

• An ambitious, literary gem
• A multi-POV story following one family across generations
• A thrilling historical romance with a shocking, unforgettable twist

Review Quotes

"An immersive, movingly crafted multigenerational family story. Using the perspectives of three characters navigating parallel yet distinct experiences, Li engagingly explores legacy, identity, love, lies, and family ties while also integrating politics, immigration, and healthy (romantic) relationships." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A whirlwind tale...layered characters and abundant historical detail keep emotions and tension high." - Publisher's Weekly