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All That Matters
Winner of the 2005 Trillium Book Award, finalist for the 2004 Giller Prize, and long-listed for the 2006 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, All That Matters is the eagerly anticipated sequel to Wayson Choy's award-winning first novel, The Jade Peony.
Kiam-Kim is three years old when he arrives by ship at Gold Mountain with his father and his grandmother, Poh-Poh. From his earliest years, Kiam-Kim is deeply conscious of his responsibility to maintain the family's honor and to set an example for his younger siblings. However, his life is increasingly complicated by his burgeoning awareness of the world outside Vancouver's Chinatown.
Choy once again accomplishes the blending a haunting evocation of tenacious, ancient traditions with a precise, funny, and very modern coming-of-age story.
Kiam-Kim is three years old when he arrives by ship at Gold Mountain with his father and his grandmother, Poh-Poh. From his earliest years, Kiam-Kim is deeply conscious of his responsibility to maintain the family's honor and to set an example for his younger siblings. However, his life is increasingly complicated by his burgeoning awareness of the world outside Vancouver's Chinatown.
Choy once again accomplishes the blending a haunting evocation of tenacious, ancient traditions with a precise, funny, and very modern coming-of-age story.
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First published January 1, 2004
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About the author
Wayson Choy
5 books88 followersBorn in Vancouver in 1939, Wayson Choy has spent much of his life engaged in teaching and writing in Toronto. Since 1967, he has been a professor at Humber College and also a faculty member of the Humber School for Writers. He has appeared in Unfolding the Butterfly, a full-length bio-documentary by Michael Glassbourg, and was recently a host on the co-produced China-Canada film In Search of Confucius. His novels The Jade Peony and Paper Shadows have won several awards. Wayson Choy, and his book All that Matters was short listed for the 2004 Giller Prize. Choy passed away in his home on April 27, 2019, at the age of 80.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
April 10, 2021
I enjoyed The Jade Peony but I loved this! The voice of Kiam feels so authentic and true, and lots of experiences resonate with my own immigrant childhood in the UK. I loved the subtext in the early chapters where Kiam is telling of incidents and comments made by his family - esp Poh Poh - without understanding what is really being said. The voice of Kiam matures through the book and suddenly I realised how I'd watched Kiam grow-up.
March 20, 2016
As somebody who immigrated to Vancouver with his family in 2002, I find this book both touching and humbling. The story is set on a different time period, so I haven't expected this. However, the obstacles that the protagonist and his family endure are still reminiscent of what I and my family have gone trough during the first decade in Vancouver.
However, it is also true that my own experience was far easier than what this book depict. I was aided by modern technologies and more open-minded people. Also, I am Korean while the protagonist and his family are Chinese. The differences are there, but I still empathize with the characters. When you read a novel, that's the best thing to happen.
I have recently found out that the book is partially based on the author's own life. That fact alone has prompted me to find more his works.
I am going to read the Jade Peony next.
However, it is also true that my own experience was far easier than what this book depict. I was aided by modern technologies and more open-minded people. Also, I am Korean while the protagonist and his family are Chinese. The differences are there, but I still empathize with the characters. When you read a novel, that's the best thing to happen.
I have recently found out that the book is partially based on the author's own life. That fact alone has prompted me to find more his works.
I am going to read the Jade Peony next.
April 7, 2008
I particularly like Asian-American literature and even like Asian-Canadian literature more, perhaps because of my years on the west coast. This is a gentle simple picture of the Chinese experience in Vancouver before WW II. It is the story of a successful immigration to the Gold Mountain - the story of growing up Chinese and the merging the old ways with new ways – no one is terrorized or beaten or sold or starved although these events are alluded to. It was a bit like my own story of growing up – little disagreements, little traumas, little irritations and a world going on outside that would affect my life later on, but for the time I was protected by family and community. I loved the picture of this Chinese family and its daily life. The end is a bit too tied with pretty ribbon for me, but it is okay – there are some questions left to answer.
July 31, 2009
Choy's delicate prose and lyrical approach to his follow-up novel to The Jade Peony is gently intoxicating and completely enveloping. Over the span of the two books, the four children and the grandmother especially, have grown near and dear to my heart like long-time neighbours that I have grown up with. This book is an essential Canadian read taking place in Chinatown before and during WWII, and I recommend it especially for anyone interested in immigration studies, and diaspora. Although they have been written as stand-alone novels, they should be read as a pair and in order, as they are told from the perspective of different children in the family, they fill in the inevitable perspective gaps of each child.
A magical read.
A magical read.
December 9, 2014
A heart-warming book, very engaging but a little lacking in narrative.
I loved Poh-Poh, the scenes with her made me remember times with my grandparents, times you never knew were fleeting until it was too late. I really enjoyed the Chinese customs with the spirits and seeing ghosts. The book mentions the family never let white people in and so it was great to have that peek behind the curtain.
I loved the woman mad at her daughter on page 70, "Stay here and die," Miss Chong said. "Dead Girl! Useless Girl!"
Could have used a little bit more to hold it together, occasionally I got lost. Overall though very well done.
I loved Poh-Poh, the scenes with her made me remember times with my grandparents, times you never knew were fleeting until it was too late. I really enjoyed the Chinese customs with the spirits and seeing ghosts. The book mentions the family never let white people in and so it was great to have that peek behind the curtain.
I loved the woman mad at her daughter on page 70, "Stay here and die," Miss Chong said. "Dead Girl! Useless Girl!"
Could have used a little bit more to hold it together, occasionally I got lost. Overall though very well done.
March 8, 2011
Wayson Choy’s "All That Matters" reads like a true story. There is so much authenticity to the distinct characters, dialogue and interaction. He creates a realistic image of Vancouver’s Chinatown in the 30’s and 40’s. I felt for his characters and lived through their descriptions. He illustrates the culture and customs very well. Even though I didn't read "The Jade Peony" previous to this book, I got a good sense of the characters and their relationships.
November 28, 2018
Like all his books this story is beautiful and sad both intertwining and causing the other. It follows the characters and events from The Jade Peony narrated by first brother Kiam Kim. I find that the way Wayson Choy writes is not as immediate as I am used to and makes me feel somewhat removed from the scene. Nevertheless, I’m still able to feel and live deeply within the main character Kiam Kim’s mind, eyes and most importantly heart. 4.75
May 31, 2009
The life of an immigrant family in Vancouver's Chinatown. Like most immigrants' stories it's about the weaving of the old ways into a new life, of hard work and the importance of family and no one tells it like Choy.
April 10, 2009
Ahhh, what to say about this much anticipated sequel to Choy's ''The Jade Peony''? This continuation of the Chen family's struggle in a new world is written in Kiam Kim, the first sons' voice as he climbs aboard a ship to sail to Vancouver where he matures and grows to adulthood. The beloved grandmother, Poh-Poh is ever present in this second novel and still dispensing her tales about ancient myths, omens, ghosts and superstitions. Kiam Kim wants to believe in the things his grandmother is telling him and understands that she wants him to believe like she does, but Kiam Kim's father encourages him instead to embrace their modern new world and customs.
Being the first-born son, Kiam Kim is faced with being a good role-model for the younger children in the family and he must be aware at all times of what he is saying and doing so as not to "shame" the family. Kiam Kim becomes best friends with his next door neighbour, an Irish boy named Jack O'Connor and with Jenny Chong who is the daughter of one of his grandmother's mah-jong players.
The story is mainly centered around Kiam Kim's responsibilities, burdens, and relationships with his family and outsiders and is often charming, delightful, fascinating but also sprinkled with sadness, sorrow and unhappiness.
For those of you who haven't read Choy's first novel: "The Jade Peony", I highly recommend you read it first before beginning this sequel as it will make it much easier for you to understand who the characters are and where they came from.
Being the first-born son, Kiam Kim is faced with being a good role-model for the younger children in the family and he must be aware at all times of what he is saying and doing so as not to "shame" the family. Kiam Kim becomes best friends with his next door neighbour, an Irish boy named Jack O'Connor and with Jenny Chong who is the daughter of one of his grandmother's mah-jong players.
The story is mainly centered around Kiam Kim's responsibilities, burdens, and relationships with his family and outsiders and is often charming, delightful, fascinating but also sprinkled with sadness, sorrow and unhappiness.
For those of you who haven't read Choy's first novel: "The Jade Peony", I highly recommend you read it first before beginning this sequel as it will make it much easier for you to understand who the characters are and where they came from.
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July 17, 2010Pretty fun book, but I can't help but feel just a tad disappointed. I think I kind of went into the story expecting so much from the first book. I wanted this to expand on the first a little bit more than it did. Holes in the histories of certain characters were filled in like the lives of the Stepmother and Po-Po. Other characters were developed that were only given passing mention in the first book, Jack and Jenny Chong are glaring examples.
At first I didn't like the ending, but I've made my piece with it. Kiam made his piece and I don't think he liked the ending either.
Still, I would have liked the Meiying saga to have been expanded on a little bit more than it was, that was what I was waiting for for the entire book and then it just sort of came out of nowhere....maybe this is the way people feel when something like that happens.
Despite this disappointment, I wouldn't have exchanged that for the Jack saga. He was just too entertaining, the one knob white guy who just doesn't get when he's overstayed his welcome.
While this was undeniably a good book, I wonder if I would rather read this book before or after the Jade Peony.
At first I didn't like the ending, but I've made my piece with it. Kiam made his piece and I don't think he liked the ending either.
Still, I would have liked the Meiying saga to have been expanded on a little bit more than it was, that was what I was waiting for for the entire book and then it just sort of came out of nowhere....maybe this is the way people feel when something like that happens.
Despite this disappointment, I wouldn't have exchanged that for the Jack saga. He was just too entertaining, the one knob white guy who just doesn't get when he's overstayed his welcome.
While this was undeniably a good book, I wonder if I would rather read this book before or after the Jade Peony.
July 28, 2011
It is interesting to me to notice that lately I am reading, not as a generic reader as I have always done, but as a developmental psychologist and especially with my eye on the theme of attachment.This has happened since I have worked up North, and realized the challenge of cross cultural understanding. To read about how other cultures mastered successful parenting, and, by contrast, what we have lost in North America is enlightening and sad at the same time. What I enjoyed was to notice the importance of hierarchy in Kiam's family,and the way the family adapted, to a new culture, and to each other.I enjoyed also the way the community saw it as their job to help raise the kids, so that all elders felt it appropriate to take part in mentoring the children.
Apart from this stuff of attachment, the book was thoroughly enjoyable and interesting. I did not find the writing especially beautiful, though.
Apart from this stuff of attachment, the book was thoroughly enjoyable and interesting. I did not find the writing especially beautiful, though.
December 12, 2014
The migrants to Canada have contributed so much to our nation but often were not recognized or accepted into society easily. Hopefully we have become better at this as a nation. All That Matters illustrates these problems quite vividly.
Chinese migrants provided so much labour and rich culture to Canada but were often not accepted into society as full equals. All That Matters illustrates this and also the importance of family and family alliances in maintaining the community. Life in Canada did improve for these immigrants after the war and I hope we have evolved as a nation since then so that the 'resident alien' can more easily become full citizens and not remain in a virtual limbo as in the past.
This is a very well written exploration of a time period from the 1930s to the late 1940s. Unfortunately it took me a long time to get through it as life interrupted my reading.
Chinese migrants provided so much labour and rich culture to Canada but were often not accepted into society as full equals. All That Matters illustrates this and also the importance of family and family alliances in maintaining the community. Life in Canada did improve for these immigrants after the war and I hope we have evolved as a nation since then so that the 'resident alien' can more easily become full citizens and not remain in a virtual limbo as in the past.
This is a very well written exploration of a time period from the 1930s to the late 1940s. Unfortunately it took me a long time to get through it as life interrupted my reading.
January 12, 2010
A Canadian great!
This is in connection with his previous novel 'The Jade Peony', and is equally as great. A rare gem that has the subtle effect of taking you back to your childhood, as I related to the events experienced by the character. Not simply a coming-of-age story, but an insight into the perceptions of a child as he grows up trying to cope with his inherited dual-nationality, insofar as to realize one for himself.
Perhaps this can be better related to males who read this book, but as proven in 'The Jade Peony', Choy has the natural ability to capture the innocence and thought processes of youth impeccably.
A stellar novel, and a true portrait of growing up as a Chinese-Canadian youth in 1930's Canada.
This is in connection with his previous novel 'The Jade Peony', and is equally as great. A rare gem that has the subtle effect of taking you back to your childhood, as I related to the events experienced by the character. Not simply a coming-of-age story, but an insight into the perceptions of a child as he grows up trying to cope with his inherited dual-nationality, insofar as to realize one for himself.
Perhaps this can be better related to males who read this book, but as proven in 'The Jade Peony', Choy has the natural ability to capture the innocence and thought processes of youth impeccably.
A stellar novel, and a true portrait of growing up as a Chinese-Canadian youth in 1930's Canada.
July 7, 2015
As soon as I found out Wayson Choy wrote a sequel to, "The Jade Peony," I immediately downloaded it and started reading. I was not disappointed.
It's not truly a sequel as the events are contemporary with those in, "The Jade Peony," but told from the missing point of view: that of First Brother, Kiam Kim.
Once again, Choy paints an irresistible portrait of Vancouver's Chinatown in the 30s and 40s. Ancient tradition, modern troubles, racial tension, and the struggles of immigrants to fit into a new culture. Told with eloquence and pride, this book was truly a pleasure to read.
Lisa Llamrei,
author of "Reflection of the Gods"
It's not truly a sequel as the events are contemporary with those in, "The Jade Peony," but told from the missing point of view: that of First Brother, Kiam Kim.
Once again, Choy paints an irresistible portrait of Vancouver's Chinatown in the 30s and 40s. Ancient tradition, modern troubles, racial tension, and the struggles of immigrants to fit into a new culture. Told with eloquence and pride, this book was truly a pleasure to read.
Lisa Llamrei,
author of "Reflection of the Gods"
February 14, 2013
As coming of age stories go, Wayson Choy has once more excelled at allowing one realize the Chinese perspective, even simply the "ethnic" perspective, of growing up in Vancouver/Canada and experiencing the joys of puberty, the trials, the realization of being different than one's white neighbours, but reveling in that unique and important portion of the urbane life of a Canadian city.
It's the mosaic of life that Choy draws with his magnificent style...his writing is spectacular and as real as touching stone to skin, wind to face and love to the heart in the narrative and plot of All That Matters.
A former award-winning novel, The Jade Peony is another recommended read.
It's the mosaic of life that Choy draws with his magnificent style...his writing is spectacular and as real as touching stone to skin, wind to face and love to the heart in the narrative and plot of All That Matters.
A former award-winning novel, The Jade Peony is another recommended read.
February 11, 2015
This sequel to The Jade Peony was terrific, though it took me about 50 pages to get into it. I forgot much of the Jade Peony and may reread it to remind myself of how the other three children's views compare with this one. By the time the book ended there was plenty of room left for a third novel, which I hope happens. Like the first novel, there is much richness in Chinese customs and belief as well as a variety of characters to get to know, all in the context of Vancouver, British Columbia. I almost rated the story with four stars but didn't quite make the jump though I do recommend the book.
August 26, 2019
Loved this sequel of Jade Peony. Kiam’s narration woven together many of the background stories (and secrets) of the first novel. I read them both fairly close together and actually think they should be sold together for the full complete picture of the story of immigration to Gold Mountain. A Canadian Gem. It’s a beautiful Chinese Canadian story but it would be interesting to compare to another family’s cultural entry to Canada around the same time (German, Italian, Japanese, Russian....) to draw parallels and even greater empathy. Beautiful writing too - I’m so sad to hear that Choy recently passed away, a lost talent & perspective.
May 3, 2021
Truly a labour of love and remembrance. This work is about a specific time and place, yet it is also universal in its affirmation of family, duty, maturation and inevitable change. Life is difficult for this Chinese family in post-WW1 Vancouver. Our hero Kiam-Kim is the dutiful son, caught betwen the Old China of his Poh-Poh and the Golden Mountain of the new country. Secrets and traditions loom large. I am reminded of the immigrant experience of Brooklyn, by Toibin; and of the tongue-in-cheek reminiscences of Jean Shepard and his Ralphie Parker stories. A loving work of fiction which will resonate with all who have endured through tragedies, love and family changes.
March 24, 2008
Another great novel that explores the Chinese American (well in this case North American) culture as well as growing up during the great depression in an industrialized town. I was disappointed in the ending, feeling like it just drifted off. It was a little confusing. But the rest of the book I found pleasant& intriguing. "In all the ways they lived their lives, survivors like Poh-Poh and Stepmother, Third Uncle and Father, and those elders who hacked their breath away, they were all saying 'Sail, paddle, swim, but push forward to shore. Do not drown in the past.'"
March 16, 2017
I loved this book. It is he story of a Chinese immigrant family coming to Vancouver in the 1930's. The family is made up of a father, his young son and his mother or As she is know Poh Poh. The story is told in the voice of the son Kiam-Kim. It follows his growth and adjustment to new ways of life in Canada and the traditions of old China which are so important to his Poh Poh. It also gives a vibrant picture of life in Chinatown in Vancouver in those times, or what I imagine it would have been.
June 7, 2011
It took me a few pages to get used to the style of writing but then thought "This is beautifully written". A very interesting tale of a chinese immigrant family coming to Vancouver's chinatown and their story in the years before and during World War II. The struggle of old vs. new culture is vividly portrayed through the characters Poh-Poh and Kiam-Kim. I was kind of disappointed in the ending though, it seemed to just drift off.
August 2, 2011
04/13/08 It probably meant more to me, being a Chinese-Canadian myself, than it would for the average Joe. This is one of those books that you read and there really isn't anything huge or exciting about it but you still never want to put it down. As I got closer to the end, I found that I was sad that it was the last chapter because I wanted to know more, to read more about Kiam-Kim. All in all, a beautiful book.
November 11, 2018
I enjoyed this story about a family that immigrates from China to Vancouver in the 1920s. It was rich in detail about the struggle between the old & new ways, between being Canadian & being Chinese and between integrating & staying with your own kind. This story of family values and friendship unfolds with the backdrop of war between China & Japan and ultimately WW2 and the impact that these conflicts have on their lives.
January 5, 2011
All that matters is a beautifully crafted story about an immigrant boy's coming of age, and offers a unique perspective on Chinese culture and tradition. Wayson Choy's prose is lyrical and the story is tightly written. I found the characters to be compelling and vivid. The sights and smells of Vancouver's China town leapt off the page. I enjoyed every moment of it.
January 21, 2013
Wayson Choy writes the characters' dialogues in both Chinese and English, but they do not disrupt the flow of the story at all.
I enjoyed the smooth transition of Kiam-Kim's POV and tone from when he was about five to 18.
It's a great coming-of-age story and portrays the Chinese-Canadian culture very well.
I enjoyed the smooth transition of Kiam-Kim's POV and tone from when he was about five to 18.
It's a great coming-of-age story and portrays the Chinese-Canadian culture very well.
August 7, 2020
Beautifully written. Told from a different view point than Jade Peony, during the same time frame, but nonetheless a great story. So many wonderful characters and great stories and insights into friendships, family matters and traditions through the eyes of Kiam Kim from the age of three until his early 20's. As with Jade Peony, a re-read for sure!
December 17, 2020
What do you mean this isn't a real memoir?
Kiam's authentic account of life as part of the Chinese diaspora in British Columbia during the early 20th century is unforgettable. Please give me more Canadian literature like this.
Kiam's authentic account of life as part of the Chinese diaspora in British Columbia during the early 20th century is unforgettable. Please give me more Canadian literature like this.
February 21, 2011
Someone else's recommendation, and I didn't expect to 'get into it', but loved it. Such a richly textured glimpse into a culture which had previously been 'other' and mysterious to me. Recommended.
July 9, 2012
Meh. The insight into the Canadian-Chinese immigrant experience is enjoyable, but the story and characterizations are just kinda... meh.
March 5, 2015
Very well written and nicely paced. Compelling story. Well rounded characters. Always happy to support a Canadian author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews