What do you think?
Rate this book
Spinster Kang
Thirty-two-year-old Kang is a new immigrant in Toronto. Having an older sister who was raped and suffers from the ensuing stigma in China, Kang is determined to remain a spinster, which has its own stigma in China, and she struggles with her fear and distrust of men. But Kang's story is not a hard luck story. She is an intelligent woman and a successful immigrant. Kang deals with the perplexities of a different culture by maintaining a sense of curiosity, an enjoyment of learning about the new culture, and by finding humour rather than the humiliation that so often characterizes descriptions of immigrant experience. Kang rooms with Tania, a Russian immigrant, and learns that many years earlier, Tania was in love with a Chinese medical student at Moscow University who was abruptly returned to China for having had a relationship with her. Kang's own father once studied at that university but has never talked about it since he was forced to leave Moscow and then was branded a rightist during the Chinese Anti-Rightist Campaign. Since then her father has been dispatched to work and live in Kunming, a city faraway from Beijing. Could the paths of her father and Tania have ever crossed? Curious about her father's past, Kang decides to pay a visit to Moscow, accompanied by Brian, Tania's nephew, a charming engineer who wants to explore his Russian Jewish roots. Spending time with Brian helps Kang to see how much her sister's tragedy has shadowed her life. When Brian suddenly shows symptoms of schizophrenia, Kang must decide whether to throw her spinster's hat away or end her relationship with Brian.
240 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2019
1 person is currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Zoë S. Roy
4 books85 followersBorn in China, Zoë S. Roy, an avid reader even during the Cultural Revolution, writes literary fiction with a focus on women’s cross-cultural experiences. She holds an MEd in Adult Education and an MA in Atlantic Canada Studies from the University of New Brunswick and Saint Mary’s University. She is a former teacher and lives in Toronto.
Being a contributor to Wikipedia, she's created pages, such as Inanna Publications,
Reginald C. Stuart, Amanda K. Hale, Eleanor Ty, and Peter Thomas McGuigan.
Being a contributor to Wikipedia, she's created pages, such as Inanna Publications,
Reginald C. Stuart, Amanda K. Hale, Eleanor Ty, and Peter Thomas McGuigan.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 22, 2020
Spinster Kang is a very well written, character driven book where she tells her life story starting from when she was a young girl in China. Unfortunately, when Kang was still very young, she was traumatized because her older sister was raped and because of how badly she was hurt, she learned at such a young age not to trust men and to have a fear of them. This nightmare plagued her life growing up, and she stayed away from dating and men in general, for fear of what might happen.
Zoe S. Roy's story then leads us as Kang immigrates from China to Toronto, Canada and enjoys learning new customs, foods, people, friends, language, techniques and ways of living in general compared to her home country. She finishes her college education and obtains a new job there as a teacher and fits right in. She also meets Tania there, her new roommate, who has immigrated from Moscow. They become close friends. Kang is asked to read Tania's autobiography manuscript and finds a possible link to Tania's past University and her father's University and wonders if they had known each other. It takes her a while but she eventually meets and allows herself to date and fall in love with Brian. Brian is absolutely wonderful, and asks her to marry him.
One thing I love in this story, is when Kang gets to hear from her family. She just cherishes her mom's letters and makes a special moment out of getting to read them. Of course, she loves to hear from her dad and sister too. She enjoys writing back to them and even obtained a special program to type them back in Chinese.
A little later Kang and Tania notice that Brian may be displaying some signs of schizophrenia? Kang must decide what to do about the marriage proposal. There are several side stories in this book and they all make it a very interesting and warm hearted read. I very much enjoyed everything about it, and I am sure you will too. It's an easy read and hard to put it down. I highly recommend this one! 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An electronic copy of this book was provided to me by the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Zoe S. Roy's story then leads us as Kang immigrates from China to Toronto, Canada and enjoys learning new customs, foods, people, friends, language, techniques and ways of living in general compared to her home country. She finishes her college education and obtains a new job there as a teacher and fits right in. She also meets Tania there, her new roommate, who has immigrated from Moscow. They become close friends. Kang is asked to read Tania's autobiography manuscript and finds a possible link to Tania's past University and her father's University and wonders if they had known each other. It takes her a while but she eventually meets and allows herself to date and fall in love with Brian. Brian is absolutely wonderful, and asks her to marry him.
One thing I love in this story, is when Kang gets to hear from her family. She just cherishes her mom's letters and makes a special moment out of getting to read them. Of course, she loves to hear from her dad and sister too. She enjoys writing back to them and even obtained a special program to type them back in Chinese.
A little later Kang and Tania notice that Brian may be displaying some signs of schizophrenia? Kang must decide what to do about the marriage proposal. There are several side stories in this book and they all make it a very interesting and warm hearted read. I very much enjoyed everything about it, and I am sure you will too. It's an easy read and hard to put it down. I highly recommend this one! 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An electronic copy of this book was provided to me by the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 20, 2020
Kang immigrated from China to get her teaching credentials in Canada.
Kang's sister had been raped, this had affected the whole family, especially Kang, she didn't trust men.
Kang had several room mates, the third one was meant to be.
Tania was an older Russian woman who lived alone. She welcomed Kang to her home, where Kang cooked many Chinese dishes for Tania.
Kang was doing well in her studies and with working at Tim Horton's she got to know many people.
All these experiences opened Kang up to dating.
Tania had a nephew that set his eyes on Kang. After a trip to Russia they became engaged.
Kang was now a happy woman being engaged and having her teaching credentials.
This book was a gift from the author for my honest review.
Kang's sister had been raped, this had affected the whole family, especially Kang, she didn't trust men.
Kang had several room mates, the third one was meant to be.
Tania was an older Russian woman who lived alone. She welcomed Kang to her home, where Kang cooked many Chinese dishes for Tania.
Kang was doing well in her studies and with working at Tim Horton's she got to know many people.
All these experiences opened Kang up to dating.
Tania had a nephew that set his eyes on Kang. After a trip to Russia they became engaged.
Kang was now a happy woman being engaged and having her teaching credentials.
This book was a gift from the author for my honest review.
July 30, 2019
Kang immigrates from China to Toronto, Canada where she wants to teach in grade school and escape from two very uncomfortable stigmas. Her sister had been raped and experienced the shame of what really was not her fault. Even worse, her sister ended up in an abusive marriage. That made her afraid of men.
A second stigma in Chinese culture is you are a failure if you have not married and had children by a certain age. This constant pressure from friends and family, made life difficult for Kang. Kang wanted to be a school teacher so she decided to try Canada for a better life. Canada has a very different culture and she enjoyed being freed from the two stigmas.
Even though she practiced talking in English corners she was prepared for understanding puzzling slang and idioms. My husband (also an Asian immigrant) still wrestles with this. Kang takes on this problem with humor and imagination.
I loved reading about her hunt for an apartment. Kang had a few of the same problems that I had when hunting. It was adventure after adventure and when it didn't work with a few of them. she automatically put herself to the task. Kang was very open to new experiences and there is more in this book to enjoy.
Honesty, humor, intelligence and heartwarming situations make this a great book to read.
I received an Advance Copy of this book from the author and my thoughts and feelings in this review are my own.
A second stigma in Chinese culture is you are a failure if you have not married and had children by a certain age. This constant pressure from friends and family, made life difficult for Kang. Kang wanted to be a school teacher so she decided to try Canada for a better life. Canada has a very different culture and she enjoyed being freed from the two stigmas.
Even though she practiced talking in English corners she was prepared for understanding puzzling slang and idioms. My husband (also an Asian immigrant) still wrestles with this. Kang takes on this problem with humor and imagination.
I loved reading about her hunt for an apartment. Kang had a few of the same problems that I had when hunting. It was adventure after adventure and when it didn't work with a few of them. she automatically put herself to the task. Kang was very open to new experiences and there is more in this book to enjoy.
Honesty, humor, intelligence and heartwarming situations make this a great book to read.
I received an Advance Copy of this book from the author and my thoughts and feelings in this review are my own.
November 15, 2020
Aa a prolific Chinese Canadian author, Zoe Roy writes mostly about Chinese immigrants’ life in Canada/USA. Spinster Kang is no exception. It’s a tale of an extraordinary Chinese woman who endures suffering in life with courage, dignity and a sense of humour. Women beyond certain age without a husband often become a “topic” and worry in many Asian countries. The pressure to find a mate, with or without love, is an issue people brought up in western culture find difficult to relate to. Roy’s description of Kang as an uprooted, lonely yet brave immigrant in Toronto is vivid, believable and heartwarming. Kang’s move from China to Canada is both physical and symbolic, as she not only needs to deal with the reality of “fitting” into a society and culture very different from her own, but also to learn to share the emotional space with a man with whom she eventually falls in love. Roy takes her heroine through a journey of seemingly impossible situations, showing us, convincingly, that love and kindness will prevail in a world full of distrust and misunderstanding between races, cultures and genders.
August 5, 2019
Zoe Roy presents a moving story about a new immigrant in Toronto who is trying to navigate a new culture, new jobs, and new places to live. At the same time, she is traumatized by a horrific crime against her sister back in China, which affects Kang’s personal relationships. Kang is open about her fears and learns to trust her new friends in Toronto. She meets many people who are really different, but she’s very accepting of them as they are of her. I especially enjoyed the local aspects of the story, like Tim Horton’s. There’s another story thread—about Kang’s Russian landlady—that is also intriguing and brings the reader to 1950s Moscow. This book is a quick read and one that is quite timely.
November 2, 2019
Having relocated from China to Toronto, Kang is learning to assimilate into the Western culture of Canada. Her decision to move from her homeland was triggered by two things. When Kang was 12 years old, her older sister (then 17) was raped. The problems and overall shunning that her sister suffered made an impression on Kang who, since that time, has avoided contact with boys/men. As Kang grew, she also suffered from the unkind words and glances of others because she was unmarried – a spinster. Kang doesn’t dislike men, she simply avoids getting close to them. As she sets about applying to university to obtain her teaching certificate, she finds a position as companion to a retired teacher named Tania – herself a Russian and who is writing her memoirs. The position comes with a private apartment so Kang immediately accepts.
During her first year at university, Kang becomes friendly with Brian, Tania’s nephew, who is rumored to be gay. Because of this, Kang feels comfortable around Brian and doesn’t see him as a threat. To earn some extra money, Kang agrees to edit Tania’s manuscript and finds herself drawn into the woman’s life in Russia. This interests Kang because her own father once attended the very same university as Tania. Could there be some shared acquaintances there? Throughout the lush backdrops of China and Toronto, Kang grows closer to Brian and is taken aback when he finally reveals that he is not gay – simply rooming with another fellow to share expenses. It isn’t until Kang and Brian make a trip to Russia to see the places that Tania speaks of in her memoirs that their relationship takes a turn. There are secrets to be uncovered and the reader will surely have an Ah ha! moment or two.
Like her other stories, Ms. Roy gives us an in-depth look at the cross-culture that exists for so many post-revolutionary Chinese who made the journey to Canada in search of freedoms not easily found in their homeland. Richly woven characters and realistic settings made this story jump off the pages. A bit slow to start but once involved you won’t want to put it down. As a couple of other reviewers noted, the ending seemed a bit rushed but it doesn’t take away from the story.
Note: The author provided me with a copy of the book for review purposes.
During her first year at university, Kang becomes friendly with Brian, Tania’s nephew, who is rumored to be gay. Because of this, Kang feels comfortable around Brian and doesn’t see him as a threat. To earn some extra money, Kang agrees to edit Tania’s manuscript and finds herself drawn into the woman’s life in Russia. This interests Kang because her own father once attended the very same university as Tania. Could there be some shared acquaintances there? Throughout the lush backdrops of China and Toronto, Kang grows closer to Brian and is taken aback when he finally reveals that he is not gay – simply rooming with another fellow to share expenses. It isn’t until Kang and Brian make a trip to Russia to see the places that Tania speaks of in her memoirs that their relationship takes a turn. There are secrets to be uncovered and the reader will surely have an Ah ha! moment or two.
Like her other stories, Ms. Roy gives us an in-depth look at the cross-culture that exists for so many post-revolutionary Chinese who made the journey to Canada in search of freedoms not easily found in their homeland. Richly woven characters and realistic settings made this story jump off the pages. A bit slow to start but once involved you won’t want to put it down. As a couple of other reviewers noted, the ending seemed a bit rushed but it doesn’t take away from the story.
Note: The author provided me with a copy of the book for review purposes.
February 23, 2020
There are two things i would like to write about Spinster Kang by Zoë S. Roy.
The first thing is, I was first blown away by the magnificent attention to detail that the author, Ms. Roy, put into each setting and each character.
There was something so delicate yet lavish about the writing, and it immediately drew me in. I was and am in love with it. Having never read any of Roy’s other work’s, this was an excellent introduction.
The second thing about Spinster Kang was, of course, the story. It was so endearing and heartbreaking. A story of love and family, of immigration and hope. What more is there in a person’s life than wanting to put forth a life in which you can 100% say you have embraced it for you?
To me, that’s what this book was about. Becoming who you are and being comfortable about it. It wasn’t all cut and dry, the messy parts were heartbreaking and convoluted. It’s hard to really sum this book up and really appreciate everything it was for me.
The author herself can attest to how hard it was to get this review from me —between schoolwork, life, and emotionally digesting this book it truly took awhile —and I sincerely and wholeheartedly apologize, and in that same breath I wholeheartedly and sincerely thank you for the opportunity to read your book for this review!
I recommend this to everyone, no matter what genre you usually read. Give this a try, it’s something else.
The first thing is, I was first blown away by the magnificent attention to detail that the author, Ms. Roy, put into each setting and each character.
There was something so delicate yet lavish about the writing, and it immediately drew me in. I was and am in love with it. Having never read any of Roy’s other work’s, this was an excellent introduction.
The second thing about Spinster Kang was, of course, the story. It was so endearing and heartbreaking. A story of love and family, of immigration and hope. What more is there in a person’s life than wanting to put forth a life in which you can 100% say you have embraced it for you?
To me, that’s what this book was about. Becoming who you are and being comfortable about it. It wasn’t all cut and dry, the messy parts were heartbreaking and convoluted. It’s hard to really sum this book up and really appreciate everything it was for me.
The author herself can attest to how hard it was to get this review from me —between schoolwork, life, and emotionally digesting this book it truly took awhile —and I sincerely and wholeheartedly apologize, and in that same breath I wholeheartedly and sincerely thank you for the opportunity to read your book for this review!
I recommend this to everyone, no matter what genre you usually read. Give this a try, it’s something else.
October 1, 2019
As a never married Chinese woman myself, Spinster Kang is a novel I found relatable with sympathetic characters including both the titular heroine and others. Kang is resourceful, curious and resilient. She tries to find a better life for herself and help support her family back in China. Also, her sister’s rape has affected her attitude towards relationships. A recent immigrant to Toronto, she needs to improve her English skills while working at two jobs in order to put herself through school. From searching for an apartment, attending a Rolling Stones concert, and participating in an unusual culinary event, her inexperience, naiveté and misunderstanding of Western culture and behaviour produce some of the book’s best humour.
September 27, 2019
I love this book. Kang's love story is interesting and funny though her past is sad. I hope more people will read this novel and know how women's life can be different and changed if you're in the right place.
September 25, 2020
Thoroughly Enjoyable
In her novel,Spinster Kang, Zoe S. Roy explores family connections, societal norms, and succinctly captures the immigrant experience. My parents immigrated to the United States just before I began sixth grade; I chuckled aloud at some of Kang’s misunderstandings around language and nuances. I remember feeling and experiencing the same type of events happening to me.
The added plot twist around “six degrees of separation” added depth to the characters and their relationships.
In her novel,Spinster Kang, Zoe S. Roy explores family connections, societal norms, and succinctly captures the immigrant experience. My parents immigrated to the United States just before I began sixth grade; I chuckled aloud at some of Kang’s misunderstandings around language and nuances. I remember feeling and experiencing the same type of events happening to me.
The added plot twist around “six degrees of separation” added depth to the characters and their relationships.
September 15, 2021
THIS IS A WELL WRITTEN STORY THAT HAS ANOTHER STORY WITHIN IT. THE STORY COMES FULL CIRCLE FOR KANG
July 4, 2022
Spinster Kang is the story of a 30-something Chinese woman who immigrated to Canada in the hopes of building a life for herself in a new country. In the early part of the novel, we are introduced to Kang and follow her through her daily life in Toronto. We learn of her struggles to find and keep suitable, affordable housing and a job that pays well enough for her to be self-supporting as a student. As we follow the ins and outs of her struggles, we learn that when Kang was a girl in China, her older sister was raped. The rape and the social outcomes her sister experienced had a profound impact on Kang to the point where she developed a fear of men. We learn that in China she was called a spinster because her lack of interest in dating and marriage led her to be single into her third decade. We soon come to better understand why it was important for Kang to begin a new life for herself in a country where women have more options. As the story progresses, Kang finally finds lodging with an aging Russian immigrant called Tania. Tania is a single woman and retired academic who welcomes Kang into her home and treats her with kindness and hospitality. To help Kang financially, Tania offers her the job of proofreading her memoir. Kang is soon drawn into the story of Tania's early life in Russia and becomes intrigued by the depiction of unrequited love. Through the reading of the memoir and interacting with Tania and her nephew, Kang is eventually swept off her feet by both Tania's love story and a new friendship. Soon many of the fears and anxieties that she carried with her from China fell away as she gradually immersed herself in the mysteries of Tania's story and a newly formed relationship. To quell her growing curiosity, she travelled to Russia to see first-hand Tania's home and the setting for the love story depicted in the memoir. While in Russia, Kang both resolves a mystery she discovered in Tania's memoir and finds a romance of her own. She returns to Canada as a changed woman with a new life ahead of her.
This novel draws readers into the life of Kang and evokes concern for this innocent and somewhat naïve woman living in a large, cosmopolitan city. Yet, Kang proves herself to be strong, highly resilient and determined to succeed in her new life. As the story progresses, relevant and interesting historical and social details about Chinese and Russian life and culture are woven into the narrative. While Kang and other characters experience hardships and tragedies, the writing never becomes gloomy or heavy. Instead, the misfortunes are presented as part of the fabric of life and sometimes as a motivation or the cause of much of the action in the story.
Overall, this is a readable and enjoyable story which may be of particular interest to women who enjoy both a love story and learning about life in other countries.
This novel draws readers into the life of Kang and evokes concern for this innocent and somewhat naïve woman living in a large, cosmopolitan city. Yet, Kang proves herself to be strong, highly resilient and determined to succeed in her new life. As the story progresses, relevant and interesting historical and social details about Chinese and Russian life and culture are woven into the narrative. While Kang and other characters experience hardships and tragedies, the writing never becomes gloomy or heavy. Instead, the misfortunes are presented as part of the fabric of life and sometimes as a motivation or the cause of much of the action in the story.
Overall, this is a readable and enjoyable story which may be of particular interest to women who enjoy both a love story and learning about life in other countries.
December 26, 2020
Toronto, CA. Islington subway station. Kang Wang (30 +, Chinese, spinster, Beijing Normal U, Tai Chi Stick, BA Ed) was headed home after teaching Chinese.
Nancy (Jewish spinster landlady, lesbian) finally rented Kang & Hachiko (dog) a room.
Kang taught a Chinese class in Scarborough.
O’Noir restaurant. Nancy invited Kang out for dinner.
Rolling Stones SARS Benefit Concert. Tania asked Kang to go to the concert.
Kang worked P/T at Tim Hortons Restaurant.
Kang started her practicum at DuPont Public School, teaching 4th & 5th-grade math, & 5th grade PE.
Sad news Ciara’s (5th grader) family was moving to Mexico.
Some students made a farewell card, & everyone signed it.
Tania Shapirovski (Russian Jewish, Kang’s BFF, U of MA; PhD) was hosting a Christmas dinner.
Those in attendance are: Kang, Lynn (50+, wife, Tania’s former colleague), David (50+, Lynn’s husband), Eric (40+, MS; library science, BS, BA, Brian’s BMF).
Kang was proofreading Tania’s autobiography memoir.
Kang celebrated Chinese New Year’s Eve & a dinner with friends.
Brian Cole (37) & Kang were discussing heterosexuality.
The Party Secretary was sending Viktor Liu (author/writer) Tania’s BF back home.
Kang’s practicum is at Lawrence Public School.
The Principal introduced the student teachers to the staff. She would teach (Ms. Rita McKinnon): 2nd grade Health, PE, & 2nd & 3rd grade Science &Technology.
Tania will have surgery at St. Michael’s Hospital for Heart surgery.
Karen & Sue (lesbian partner, musician/singer) invited Kang to the Gay Pride Parade.
Kang & Brian took a trip to Moscow, Russia.
What are their futures?
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written Asian family drama book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters & facts to keep track of. This could also make another great movie, or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an amazingly easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Author; Inanna Publications and Education Inc.; Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Nancy (Jewish spinster landlady, lesbian) finally rented Kang & Hachiko (dog) a room.
Kang taught a Chinese class in Scarborough.
O’Noir restaurant. Nancy invited Kang out for dinner.
Rolling Stones SARS Benefit Concert. Tania asked Kang to go to the concert.
Kang worked P/T at Tim Hortons Restaurant.
Kang started her practicum at DuPont Public School, teaching 4th & 5th-grade math, & 5th grade PE.
Sad news Ciara’s (5th grader) family was moving to Mexico.
Some students made a farewell card, & everyone signed it.
Tania Shapirovski (Russian Jewish, Kang’s BFF, U of MA; PhD) was hosting a Christmas dinner.
Those in attendance are: Kang, Lynn (50+, wife, Tania’s former colleague), David (50+, Lynn’s husband), Eric (40+, MS; library science, BS, BA, Brian’s BMF).
Kang was proofreading Tania’s autobiography memoir.
Kang celebrated Chinese New Year’s Eve & a dinner with friends.
Brian Cole (37) & Kang were discussing heterosexuality.
The Party Secretary was sending Viktor Liu (author/writer) Tania’s BF back home.
Kang’s practicum is at Lawrence Public School.
The Principal introduced the student teachers to the staff. She would teach (Ms. Rita McKinnon): 2nd grade Health, PE, & 2nd & 3rd grade Science &Technology.
Tania will have surgery at St. Michael’s Hospital for Heart surgery.
Karen & Sue (lesbian partner, musician/singer) invited Kang to the Gay Pride Parade.
Kang & Brian took a trip to Moscow, Russia.
What are their futures?
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written Asian family drama book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters & facts to keep track of. This could also make another great movie, or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an amazingly easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Author; Inanna Publications and Education Inc.; Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
April 28, 2020
Zoe Roy has written a page turner. Spinster Kang is a story of spirit, determination, adaptability across cultures, love, adventure, and mystery. Kang leaves an unhappy life in China where she was labeled “spinster” and is shadowed by her older sister’s rape and unhappy marriage. She settles in Canada where she hopes to get a degree in education so she can teach. Her first days in Toronto are consumed with finding work and a place to live. Kang has some unusual roommate experiences before she finds the perfect room in the home of Tania a retired professor. Kang cleans the house in exchange for her room. Soon, she has a job proofreading Tania’s interesting autobiography. Tania is a Russian immigrant with an unusual life story and a nephew, Brian, who pops in and out of the house. Brian appeals to Kang. He seems to be the opposite of the Chinese men who repulsed Kang. Tania notices Kang’s affection for Brian and tells her his life story. It seems Brian would not be interested in anything more than friendship. Tania’s early life in Russia fascinates Kang. She wants to see the places she reads about in Tania’s autobiography. Kang had also learned a lot about Russia during her school days during the Cultural Revolution. An interesting coincidence, about the same time Tania was a student in Moscow, Kang’s father had been studying there until he was called back to China in disgrace. Kang decides she has to visit Russia and joins a tour going there. At the last minute, Kang finds that Brain is on the tour too. When Kang and Brian arrive in Moscow they have their own itinerary. They soon realize that they are not alone as they move around the city. They evade their followers to unearth a document that Tania buried long ago in a park. You have to read the book to find out how it all works out.
May 6, 2020
Spinster Kang is about the story of a Chinese woman, Kang, who has been deeply affected by the rape, victimisation, and abusive marriage of her older sister. This traumatic event of her youth caused her to develop a mistrust and fear of men. Immigrating to Canada, Kang desires to escape the stigmas and pressures of being an unmarried woman over 30 in Chinese society.
In Canada, Kang navigates through life as an immigrant ─ she meets new people and experiences the very different melting-pot Canadian culture. I liked seeing Toronto from Kang’s perspective and the normal struggles in Kang’s daily life routine, such as difficulties finding a new house. I felt that added a very realistic touch.
Throughout the story, Kang has to deal with her fear of men and her growing friendship with her Russian landlady’s nephew. While Zoe Roy does a great job in writing Kang’s character growth and the romance arc, I thought that the ending might have been a little rushed and the mental illness part seemed slightly awkward.
Finally, I really enjoyed reading about the parallels between Stalin’s Soviet Union and Mao’s China. You can see how individuals were affected and it’s very interesting. However, I did wish the book expanded on the connection between Kang’s father and her landlady; that part of the story still seems a little unfinished and rushed.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Spinster Kang. Zoe Roy does a great job in creating a compelling story and providing an in-depth look at how the Cultural Revolution affected people. The differences between Chinese and Canadian cultures were explored in an interesting manner, and Kang was a very unique protagonist.
I got this book from a LibraryThing giveaway and I’m really happy for the opportunity to read one of Zoe Roy’s books. Spinster Kang is a delightful read!
Note: I would rate this story 4.5 stars but I’m rounding up to 5 stars.
In Canada, Kang navigates through life as an immigrant ─ she meets new people and experiences the very different melting-pot Canadian culture. I liked seeing Toronto from Kang’s perspective and the normal struggles in Kang’s daily life routine, such as difficulties finding a new house. I felt that added a very realistic touch.
Throughout the story, Kang has to deal with her fear of men and her growing friendship with her Russian landlady’s nephew. While Zoe Roy does a great job in writing Kang’s character growth and the romance arc, I thought that the ending might have been a little rushed and the mental illness part seemed slightly awkward.
Finally, I really enjoyed reading about the parallels between Stalin’s Soviet Union and Mao’s China. You can see how individuals were affected and it’s very interesting. However, I did wish the book expanded on the connection between Kang’s father and her landlady; that part of the story still seems a little unfinished and rushed.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Spinster Kang. Zoe Roy does a great job in creating a compelling story and providing an in-depth look at how the Cultural Revolution affected people. The differences between Chinese and Canadian cultures were explored in an interesting manner, and Kang was a very unique protagonist.
I got this book from a LibraryThing giveaway and I’m really happy for the opportunity to read one of Zoe Roy’s books. Spinster Kang is a delightful read!
Note: I would rate this story 4.5 stars but I’m rounding up to 5 stars.
June 20, 2020
I am grateful for having received a copy of this novel that I really enjoyed reading and that has an autobiografic feel to it that only makes it more authentic. It's suspense-packed until the end even if you are impatient like me and read the last pages having read onlly half of it (don't do it anyways).
It describes very well the feeling of loneliness living in another country by yourself, adapting to a completley distinct culture. Kang - the protagonist - seems kind of naive in this new world but is also brave taking her life into her own hands. Her perspective on Canadian culture is quite funny sometimes.
The novel is also about the importance of knowing your roots as family history definitely has an impact on your life.
The two in a strange way connected love stories get both a little cheesy at the end, but still in a good and beautiful way.
The "story in the story" is set in a historical political context that had tragic consequences. The good thing is the novel is not written in a victim's perspective but with a positif attitude.
And I can tell you already, at the end of the novel Kang is not a spinster anymore!
It describes very well the feeling of loneliness living in another country by yourself, adapting to a completley distinct culture. Kang - the protagonist - seems kind of naive in this new world but is also brave taking her life into her own hands. Her perspective on Canadian culture is quite funny sometimes.
The novel is also about the importance of knowing your roots as family history definitely has an impact on your life.
The two in a strange way connected love stories get both a little cheesy at the end, but still in a good and beautiful way.
The "story in the story" is set in a historical political context that had tragic consequences. The good thing is the novel is not written in a victim's perspective but with a positif attitude.
And I can tell you already, at the end of the novel Kang is not a spinster anymore!
December 22, 2025
Spinster Kang is a deeply thoughtful and quietly moving novel that explores immigration, inherited trauma, and the courage it takes to open one’s heart despite fear. Zoë S. Roy presents Kang as an intelligent, self-aware, and resilient protagonist whose choice to remain a spinster is not rooted in bitterness, but in love, loyalty, and the long shadow cast by her sister’s suffering. Kang’s voice is observant and reflective, capturing the complexities of cultural displacement with warmth, wit, and emotional precision.
What makes this novel especially powerful is its intergenerational and cross-cultural layering. The connections between China, Russia, and Canada unfold with subtle elegance, revealing how political histories and personal losses ripple across lives and decades. Kang’s evolving relationship with Brian is tender, fragile, and deeply human, especially as love collides with mental illness and uncertainty. Spinster Kang is a compassionate, intellectually rich novel that lingers long after the final page a story about choice, empathy, and the bravery required to live fully on one’s own terms.
What makes this novel especially powerful is its intergenerational and cross-cultural layering. The connections between China, Russia, and Canada unfold with subtle elegance, revealing how political histories and personal losses ripple across lives and decades. Kang’s evolving relationship with Brian is tender, fragile, and deeply human, especially as love collides with mental illness and uncertainty. Spinster Kang is a compassionate, intellectually rich novel that lingers long after the final page a story about choice, empathy, and the bravery required to live fully on one’s own terms.
December 8, 2020
Spinster Kang is a migrant story of struggle and acclimation without giving away eventual success. One of the intertwined stories involves in Toronto in 2003, during which, many events take place, such as SARS, the Northeast blackout, and the Rolling Stone concert. Those combine with every day's life give rise to many unexpected, sometime charming, sometime funny situation, in Kang life.
Throughout the novel she will pursue her goal to become a certified teacher. Luckily, she met Tania and later her nephew Brian. The novel thus contains a love story with a few funny twists. It also pictures a much more serious political undertone by comparing Mao’s China to the Stalin regime..
Roy’s writing is direct, eventful, and sometime poetic. She definitely has gotten her message across.
Throughout the novel she will pursue her goal to become a certified teacher. Luckily, she met Tania and later her nephew Brian. The novel thus contains a love story with a few funny twists. It also pictures a much more serious political undertone by comparing Mao’s China to the Stalin regime..
Roy’s writing is direct, eventful, and sometime poetic. She definitely has gotten her message across.
April 20, 2021
Spinster Kang precented two loving, independent, female immigrant characters, Kang from China, and Tania from Soviet Union. Through stories about life of Kang in Canada and memoir of love stories of Tania in Soviet Union, readers can enjoy the intertwines of three cultures. It is a fun book to read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews