The Star Fisher

 By Laurence Yep

Reviewed by Mary M.

            In this outstanding historical fiction novel, Laurence Yep has captured the story of his Chinese American mother and her family’s struggle to be accepted in a small West Virginia town. This book has changed my perspective on immigrants and has given me a newfound appreciation for immigrant’s courage and determination. The main character Joan is fifteen and the following experiences are written from her perspective.

            “Thump, thump, thump,” the vast train chugged into the valley.

            Green! It was everywhere. It seemed as if West Virginia was covered in a blanket of green.

            I was “different.”  I was “a monkey.” I was considered “gross.”

            We moved to West Virginia to find more business for our laundry, but it seemed that no one wanted their clothes cleaned by a Chinese person. But I was Chinese American!  Right? I was born right here in America and I am proud of it!

            I had no friends, but then came Bernice. Bernice had a kind heart. But most of all, she wanted to fit in like me. It wasn’t instant friendship, but we became very good friends. She understood me.

            Of course there was Ms. Lucy, a friend from the beginning; she even helped our laundry with business.

            Mama and Papa didn’t speak English, I was their translator. They had certain beliefs. They thought that someday we would go back to China and we shouldn’t forget where we came from.

            But with many friends and Mama and Papa letting loose, I think that this place could be AMAZING!

            These are a few themes in The Star Fisher by: Laurence Yep. The Lee family had some changes and new experiences when they had to move from Ohio to West Virginia. Also, almost everyone has gone outside their comfort zone to try something new. Some examples of challenges for immigrants are the language barrier between the parents and others. Also, their parents want to be a part of Chinese culture and the children want to be a part of American culture. The entire family has struggled with prejudice from people who live in town vandalizing their property to kids at school calling them names, all because they are a different race.  Joan has tolerated so much and I think that it has made her stronger.       Read this book if you are looking for an amazing historical fiction novel with lots of ups and downs. Even if you don’t typically read historical fiction, I would strongly recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about immigrants or understand their struggles and triumphs better.