TIGER DAUGHTER BY REBECCA LIM

Wen Zhou lives with her mother and father in a run-down, rough part of the city. Her life is surrounded by boundaries, the highest and strongest put there by her father. Back in China he was a doctor with dreams of becoming a surgeon. Here in Australia he works in a Chinese restaurant. His stubborn pride stands in his way and so he can’t help but let his bitterness flow into the lives of his wife and daughter.

Wen’s best friend Henry is still getting a grip on the English language but is an absolute superstar student. Together they are going to try and break free of their pre-destined paths. They want more. In two weeks, they will sit an exam to get a scholarship to a fantastic, opportunity laden school. This will be their ticket out to a life where they can study what they want and join the world around them.

Their plans suffer a blow when tragedy strikes Henry’s family. Wen must try and find a way to get her friend back on track. A way to remember their dream for a better life. She must also manoeuvre her way through the minefield of her father’s emotional instability. Can she help her friend, manage her father’s unreasonable expectations and coax her mother out from her introverted shell?

Rebecca Lim has written a wonderful book that gives an insight into the life of an immigrant and anyone who is made to feel they don’t belong. Living in Australia, a place that on the surface is an easy-going, accepting society is not easy for many new-comers. A narrow-minded mentality and hostility towards those who are different, is examined in a way that will find a resonance with many readers. The clash between culture and tradition is examined with an understanding that can only come from one who has experienced the divide. This should be a compulsory text for all upper middle grade or younger YA school kids.

For Ages: 11-14 years

Number of Pages: 206

Published: February 2021

Themes: Family, honour, belonging, cultural differences and resilience

Rating: 4.5/5