SuitabookChinglish
Sue Cheung
- Reading
- Read in stages, allowing space between the lighter opening and darker later sections. Afterwards, invite the reader to choose whether to discuss family behaviour, racism, language or Jo’s ambitions first.
- Themes
- Belonging and cultural identity: Jo and her family combine limited English and Chinese while she navigates school and life above the family takeaway. The situation is presented through Jo’s personal, humorous observations and social difficulties, making cultural and linguistic disconnection central to her experience.
- Racism and social exclusion: Jo is targeted by pupils at her new school for being different, while she forms a friendship with Tina. The abuse is framed as something Jo is subjected to, while friendship offers contrast and recognition of her as an individual.
- Family power and independence: Jo serves in the takeaway, lives with difficult family circumstances and contends with her father’s erratic or abusive behaviour while dreaming of becoming an artist. The book takes a critical view of this.
- Worth knowing
- The later material deserves attention if a reader may find domestic abuse or graphic violence upsetting. Racial slurs and bullying are also part of Jo’s school experience; consider checking in as the tone becomes darker.