THE SURPRISING POWER OF A GOOD DUMPLING BY WAI CHIM

Anna Chiu is a Year 11 student in what looks like a typical Chinese/Australian family. She is big sister to Lily – the smart scholarship student and Michael, the gorgeous six-year-old artistic brother. Her father runs a Chinese restaurant in Gosford and she lives with her siblings and mum in Ashfield, an hour and a half away.

To those on the outside, Anna’s life looks normal but for her it is anything but. Her mother often lies in bed for weeks or stays up late into the night cleaning and muttering about angry black dogs or men who have come to steal her children. Anna must look after her siblings while her father works at the restaurant and rarely comes home.

Her life changes when she persuades her father to take on a boy called Rory as a delivery driver. A friendship grows and it is a great escape for Anna from the stress of family life. She learns that Rory has some issues that he is trying to work through and when things come to a head in her own family he is there to help and understand.

Wai Chim creates a wonderful insight into a family in crisis. The quiet fortitude of children who care for ill parents and who just crave a “normal” life. Anna’s character is strong and caring but the weight of responsibility is slowly dragging her down. Her family copes the best it can but seem to be working independently. Each member refusing to look the problem in the eye and call it out into the open. Society’s views on mental health and family values clash to create a situation that ultimately brings their fragile efforts crashing down. It acts as a catalyst and together as a family, they learn what their “normal” is. This is as great story of love, family, understanding and strength.

For Ages: 12 - 16 years

Number of Pages: 392 paperback.

Published: August 2019

Themes: Mental health, family and relationships.

Rating: 4/5