The Barbarians Are Coming, another sidewalk acquisition, has a surprising trajectory.
Sterling is a young and dedicated chef. Having graduated from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) he is attempting to make his way in the world. Unfortunately, in his professional life it is assumed that since he is Chinese he should cook Chinese food. He does not like cooking Chinese food. When his parents surprise him with a mail-order bride he does not say thanks either. Instead he marries his Caucasian girlfriend, Bliss.
A significant section of the latter part of the book is narrated by Sterling's father, Genius. He reminisces about his arrival in New York and an affair that he had. This secret past, which occurred before his wife arrived at Ellis Island, haunts him.
The writing is quite amusing and provides caricatures of all characters. Only Sterling and Genius have any real spark of life though. The other characters, especially women, seem mysterious to them and also to the reader. The lack of depth creates bland characters and makes for a bland and predictable plot.
Sterling is a young and dedicated chef. Having graduated from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) he is attempting to make his way in the world. Unfortunately, in his professional life it is assumed that since he is Chinese he should cook Chinese food. He does not like cooking Chinese food. When his parents surprise him with a mail-order bride he does not say thanks either. Instead he marries his Caucasian girlfriend, Bliss.
A significant section of the latter part of the book is narrated by Sterling's father, Genius. He reminisces about his arrival in New York and an affair that he had. This secret past, which occurred before his wife arrived at Ellis Island, haunts him.
The writing is quite amusing and provides caricatures of all characters. Only Sterling and Genius have any real spark of life though. The other characters, especially women, seem mysterious to them and also to the reader. The lack of depth creates bland characters and makes for a bland and predictable plot.
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