American Visa

by Wang Ping

1996 Book for the Teen Age, The New York Public Library. Seaweed's story, from Maoist China to her New York emigration. "In this first collection of 11 linked stories, the intimate drama of one traditional Chinese family plays against the larger backdrop of the Cultural Revolution. Wang’s determined, intelligent heroine, Seaweed, is the eldest daughter of a naval officer and a schoolteacher living near Shanghai. The family drudge at home, Seaweed’s hardships continue in a rural village where she undergoes “re-education” by peasants as a prerequisite for college. Years later, after emigrating to New York, she tries to send for her sisters, to get them American visas. “The Story of Ju” is a gripping, longer tale of how Seaweed’s promising student hangs herself rather than submit to a marriage arranged by her abusive stepfather. “Song of Four Seasons” is a generous-spirited story of a mother and daughter revising their opinions of one another after many years. Although these are universal themes of sibling rivalry, mother-daughter conflict and love, the dilemma of an intelligent woman with limited opportunities, matchmaking, adultery, bodily shame, they are also distinctively Chinese, drawing on Chinese legends, language and customs. Wang, who holds degrees from both Chinese and American universities, writes simply in a conversational English that is remarkably effective whether she is writing about life in China or in New York.” —Publishers Weekly

Genres: Short Stories, China, Fiction

172 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1994

About the author

Born in Shanghai and grew up in the East China Sea. Love the body of water, its sound and smell, love the touch of the muddy beach and golden sand.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading a well written book about someones experiences growing up in China, and then adjusting to life here in the States. I enjoyed her stories and her candid earthy language. I'm from the country and feel akin to her because she writes from the heart, and her intelligence shines through along with her wit and wry sense of humor. thumbs up for your tenacious spirit!

someone else commented and wondered why Wang has not received more acclaim, or isn't more well known. well maybe she isn't one to seek fame, it's just up to us to let everyone know what a great writer she is and to recommend her books now I guess.

[Brenda D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and could easily envision the world that Wang Ping (re)creates. It is a unique story set in the context of significant events in China that few have written about and I would highly recommend it. My one concern is that while Sea Weed is believable as a person, there were moments when her actions/thoughts seemed inconsistent with the times in which she is living. It was almost a 'world view anachronism' - as if the contemporary thoughts of the author were overlaid over past events. If these stories are based upon personal life experiences than my 'unease' may be the result of a blurring of a contemporary perspective in reflecting upon this past life. Perhaps the author should have chosen an older women's reminiscence of the past rather than trying to explore the stories through the eyes of a young girl who is no more. These moments while jarring, are fortunately infrequent, and for the most part I was intrigued by, and full of empathy for, the determined Sea Weed as she charts the tumultuous waters of her life and the times in which she finds herself.

[Cheri Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this collection years ago and the other day when I was talking to a friend about it, I was listing off details and the way they’d made me feel as if I’d read it last week. It’s that memorable and it’s that good. The linking of these stories is incredibly well done; I put it on the level of Sherwood Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio and Ernest Hemingway’s In Our Time. The writing is so crisp and jewel-like that the book can come off as deceptively simple; it’s anything but. It's been a model for me as a writer that I’ve gone back to again and again.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was on display at my library and I’m glad for it! Thank you, librarians, for loving books and being about the business of sharing that with others.

What insights into an experience of self and family and everything that is brought with to the idea and promise of “America.” One of those books where you appreciate how little you know and how wonderful it is that others write to gift us entrance into alternate and co-occurring realities.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

A recommendation from a professor--suggested reading for a course I was in, didn't make it to the syllabus. Enjoyable enough.

[William Reichard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable first book by author Wang Ping. The interconnected stories are beautifully written and often heartbreaking. Highly recommended!

[Rachel Abeyta Newlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felt an amazing connection with narrator. Loved walking with Seaweed through her reflection on life experiences both good and bad. It was refreshing to see her grow and evolve. Highly recommended.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

its a well-written biography

[Mills College Library]

Fiction W2466a 1994