Wings of Silk

by Li-Ying Lundquist

After surviving a childhood under the oppressive rule of Chairman Mao’s “Cultural Revolution," a young, courageous teenager abandons her life in China for the freedom of the unknown in America. Arriving at the New York City doorstep of family members she’s never met, Ying-Ying has been promised they’ll help her learn English and accomplish her dream of attaining a college degree. But weeks later, she’s kicked out without explanation. Now a homeless immigrant, Ying-Ying must learn who to trust, how to find work, and how to succeed in a bustling metropolis that looks the other way. Overcoming obstacles of abandonment, heartbreak, and injustice in a foreign land, she remains fiercely determined to become a woman who will impact the world. An incredible story of second chances, Wings of Silk reminds the reader that underneath the fragile form of an individual, a strong and resilient heart is always ready to take flight.

Genres: Historical, Fiction

254 pages, Paperback

Published November 2, 2021

Reviews

[ana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I want to start by saying that this book's cover is very beautiful. That's what caught my attention, to be quite honest. The synopsis hooked me and made me want to read the book, but as many other reviews have pointed out, I didn't imagine it would be a Christian book. This bothered me a lot. I have nothing against religious books, but the whole "my life was horrible, I've been through a lot of bad things, and then I met god and he saves me and it's all so wonderful now" speech is just not for me. And it's not for a lot of people, so it would be nice if there was something about it in the synopsis.

Overall, it was an interesting book. A little slow-paced and the writing was very consistent, it remained the same style from when Ying-Ying was a child to when she was more mature. She grew up, but it was as if her point of view as a child remained.

[Emi Yoshida · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I'd been aware of the very last line of the Acknowledgments before requesting an ARC of this book to review, "Above all else, this is a testimony of God's mercy and love." Had I known, I would have avoided reading this stilted "historical fiction" book about Ying Ying, who grows up in China with academic parents persecuted by Mao's Red Guards. In China and subsequently in America Ying Ying is lauded for her elegance, dancing skill, height, and supermodel-level body and beauty; as a brilliant student, and then a successful manager in the lucrative tech world where her team develops the world's first Text Message for mobile phones. Through it all she remains a perfectionist. And yet she's unfulfilled until she finds God. I found it tedious and not very interesting reading about Ying Ying overcoming misguided belief in communist propaganda only to instead spout church dogma.

Written by Li-Ying Lundquist, who according to Acorn Publishing's bio overcame "the plights of a young immigrant who did not speak the language, obtained her Master's in Computer Science from a prestigious university and became a successful lead engineer. While working for AT&T Bell Labs, her team made the world's first "Text Message" for mobile phones... She hopes readers of Wings of Silk will be inspired by the lessons of forgiveness, grace, and God's powerful love."

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel really terrible when I have to write a review about a book I didn't enjoy, specially when I see that this story means so much to the author. But well, I'm just a random reader who had wrong expectations, so please don't take my words too seriously.

I thought it would be interesting to learn more about both cultures and see the challenges she faced along her journey, but actually Ying-Ying's just miserable most of the time. Bad things keep happening in her life chapter after chapter. Real bad things. Trigger warnings include rape and suicidal ideation. I don't remember reading a book with so many nasty characters before. Everybody hates the poor girl. This story was nothing like I expected it... She deserved so much better. I got really angry seeing how they treated her. I wanted to feel inspired, but I just got really, really angry.

Thanks to Acorn Publishing for providing a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

⋆⋆⋆½

Thank you to NetGalley and Acorn for allowing me to read this ARC!

Content Warning: death, miscarriage, spousal abuse, rape, sexual assault, misogyny, racism, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, depression, harassment.


Growing up in Mao's Communist China, Ying-Ying jumps at the chance to go to college in America. Arriving in New York City, she finds that not all is as it seems concerning the great American Dream, and that her relatives living in the States -- meant to care for her and help her onto the path of success -- are not as kind or considerate as she'd hoped. In spite of facing obstacle after obstacle, including homelessness, not being able to speak English, as well as the pain of being so far from her family and overcoming cultural differences, Ying-Ying is determined to make the best of her life, and show everyone that she can be the independent, powerful woman she's always wanted to be.
Initially, I requested this book thinking it was a memoir. As it turns out, it's not, but it is heavily inspired by the author's life, and there's no doubt when reading it that many of these experiences are hers. I saw a lot of rather negative reviews concerning this book, and to be honest, my expectations were quite low. In the end, perhaps because I was already expecting to be a bit disappointed, I actually rather enjoyed this novel and I found myself admiring Ying-Ying, as well as the author who crafted this story about a life of both hardship and love.

I wasn't sure if I would be as interested in this book since the majority of it actually takes place in America, but reading a firsthand account of an immigrant's attempts to make the most of her newfound freedom away from Mao's regime, and her innocent wonder for the new things she discovers in New York (like deli cheeses and bagels), was both captivating and touching.

For me, the writing was a bit dry; I was surprised when I learned that this wasn't a memoir, because the style it's written in makes you feel as if these are all true life accounts. It didn't quite have a poetic or lyrical flow (which I rarely expect to find in memoirs, but as this is a fictional story, I would have preferred a bit more of those qualities), but it was concise and straightforward, and therefore very easy to read.

Although there were some other issues, such as the pacing, I never stopped rooting for Ying-Ying, and while this book was not quite a four or five star read for me, I really admire the voice that Lundquist has given to women, immigrants, outsiders, and all combinations of those things! Many people disliked the Christian aspect present in this novel; though there is a spiritual thread throughout, I never felt like it was being pushed on me.

God doesn't even really factor into Ying-Ying's story until perhaps the last 10 to 20%, and she never strikes you as being hypocritical or judgmental of those who don't share her faith. In fact, she makes a point of baring Ying-Ying's mistakes, errors and sins, and relishes in her imperfections, which left me with a positive, hopeful feeling amongst all of the struggles throughout her life.

This wasn't a book I could really say I loved, but I liked it a lot and I think if you are interested in stories about immigrants and capable women who forge their own paths, it's worth giving this one a shot! All in all, a sweet, moving, and rather tender exploration of life and what it means to understand yourself not as others see you, but as you see yourself.

[Ann Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Special thanks to Acorn Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my own opinion.

I had a pretty hard time with this book and probably would not have read it if i knew that Christianity was going to be forced in my face throughout and I AM a Christian, so I can only imagine how other people will feel reading it. I'm sure from the bio its not a memoir, but it certainly reads like one.

I had a very hard time wanting to finish this book with all the Christianity thrown in my face. I just couldn't relate as a reader to this character, that I believe is the author.

[Carol Cretella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel tells a powerful and inspiring story of a Chinese girl who endured many hardships soon after immigrating to the US. Written like a memoir, there is a gripping authenticity to this remarkable story that starts with the innocence of youthful dreams and the harsh reality of life under the repressive regime of Chairman Mao. For me, it was a valuable, eye-opening cultural education from the main character’s perspective that was not taught in the history textbooks of my formal education.

I found myself delightfully amused as the story unfolds during her childhood, then wept for her through years of rejection, loneliness, sadness, heartbreak and disappointment as an immigrant in the US. I rooted for her as she steadfastly persevered her dreams of a higher education and true love in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
The title “Wings of Silk” is a poetic nod to the butterfly metaphor woven throughout the book: the heroine’s metamorphosis from struggling immigrant to a fully actualized woman who ultimately made a significant impact in her professional career and found true love and happiness.

I believe this story of perseverance and resilience of spirit can inspire many as it did me, to also never give up on their dreams.

[Flora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in 2 or 3 sittings, finding it really hard to put down. It reads like an autobiography and seems to have been based on the life of the author. I couldn't help but root for Ying-Ying in all her hardships and relationships and was very very glad (and actually very surprised) that she eventually found joy, peace and forgiveness through a means I will not reveal here.

[stylelover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! It kept me turning page after page and when I wasn’t reading, I found myself thinking about the main character and where she would end up. From scene to scene, this book marks the journey of an unlucky woman whose family turns their back on her. What we see by the end is how one trauma after another can either break the MC or make her stronger…Wings of Silk shows us one brave woman’s metamorphosis. I love the language and flow of this story, and the use of a butterfly kite as an apropos metaphor for finding freedom from fear, pain, and despair. I highly recommend this book!

[Holly Kammier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wings of Silk is a beautifully written piece of historical fiction. This sweeping, emotional journey crafted by debut author Li-Ying Lundquist, is at once, deeply moving and incredibly inspirational; a true testament to the power of resilience.

[Lena D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like many readers was thrown off kilter by this book. My initial impression was that it was going to be a book about a young girl Ying Ying moving through communist China to New York. I was not expecting the Christian conversion and have to admit this may have affected my final opinion of the book.
The novel covers both cultural diversity between Communist China and capitalist America and the span of years from 1962 Beijing to the inevitable 2021 9/11 New York.
The style of writing is almost monotone and pedestrian and in places there are lines that jar. Lines such as on page 49, when Ying Ying observes her father’s emotions to try and get to New York. “He starts verbally processing again.”
Page 55, when she is waiting at the airport, “Invites my nerves to make themselves at home.”
Once in New York as she walks through the hotel doors where, “We are met by a large lobby.”
Although as a reader I appreciate that English is not Li-Yung’s first language, I would have preferred, an editor to have made adjustments so that the writing flowed more.
I feel also that Li-Yung has missed an opportunity by not writing more on young Ying Ying’s life in communist China. And again on arrival in New York, there were very limited descriptions about Ying’s first impressions of New York, I wanted more about how the young woman felt about all the strange sights and sounds of the city. We do get a sense of this when Ying is in Chinatown. On page 66, “I take a bus into Chinatown and am disappointed in what I find. The place is filthy with trash all over the street and is wreaking with the smell of fresh seafood on top of crushed ice lining the storefronts. The sidewalks are taken over by vendors displaying fresh fruits and vegetables as well as dry goods. People are cramming into each other as they hurriedly pass one another on the overcrowded and smelly street.”
I think what stands out is perhaps there is too much “telling” and not enough “showing.” A lot happens to Ying Ying in the early part of the book, but it is told in a somewhat cold unexcitable manner.
All the unwanted male attention and attempted attacks are dealt with in a dispassionate way.
Then suddenly 150 pages into the book the real drama and fireworks occur.
The book covered an interesting slice of Chinese immigrant life, I just felt it was written colourfully enough to do it credit. Again though I had to remind myself that it reflects the inscrutable and insular personalities of the Chinese.
This is Li Young’s first book. It was a book she felt compelled to write. But I do hope she writes another book, perhaps without the Christian undertones.
Also on a purely personal level, romances and the eternal quest for happiness are not something I would usually read.

[RICHARD W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wings of Silk is a well-written autobiographical novel. It is the story of Ying Ying, a young woman growing up in China during Mao’s Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution.

Ying Ying’s parents were sent to the countryside, ostensibly to be re-indoctrinated by the peasants. It
was a time of great fear; children were separated from their families and induced to denounce their
parents. This part of the book is worth reading carefully, while reflecting what is going on in the USA
today, as there are many parallels.

Ying Ying decides to escape to America. Through a family member living in America, she first secures a student visa. She arrives in New York with next to no money, and is promptly put out on the street by her aunt for no apparent reason. Ying Ying encounters and overcomes a mass of problems that would make a less determined person give up entirely. She persists and endures. Fortunately for her, she studies electrical engineering and become a talented engineer. This is the key to eventually leading a fulfilling life, but not before enduring multiple heartbreaks including a verbally and emotionally abusive first marriage.

Eventually, Ying Ying finds a loving and fulfilling marriage, and a successful and well-paying career, but
half a lifetime has gone past.

Ms Lundquist tells the story in a straightforward and understandable manner. The reviewer is an older
white male from immigrant origins, whose forebears also struggled for acceptance and success in
America. As a consequence, it was easy to empathize with Ying Ying and root for her eventual success in
life. This is a good book and worthy of a careful reading. I highly recommend it.

[William E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gorgeous butterfly cover art to this book serves as a gateway that welcomes you into the real-life world of a young Chinese immigrant woman forced to survive alone on the streets of New York. She does so armed with little knowledge of English but with a fierce will to survive and live an American dream set in motion generations ago by her great-grandfather, who at horrific cost helped build the transcontinental railroad that helped unify the East and West coasts of America. All told through the words of an immigrant, author Li-Ying, who has lived it.
Buckle up. It’s as if you are propelled through this all too real immigrant’s tale on the silken wings of a butterfly, with frequent, erratic, sometimes flawed and fateful changes in direction that leave the reader exhausted, traumatized, angered, frustrated, and inspired.
Told with blunt honesty, it’s as if you have been invited behind the veil of the main character, Ying-Ying, to directly experience all the harsh realities and joys that she must endure. A one-night drama that I could not put down, this is an important work that puts a human face and beating heart on an important part of American history that has yet to be fully told and understood.

[Jim Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author describes life during the Cultural Revolution. Ying Ying is the daughter of academics who are persecuted by the Red Guard. Miraculously, she gets an opportunity to go to the US. Her dream is to bring her parents and sister to the US.
Her relatives feel they can exert dictatorial power over her. She becomes the target of sexual abuse both from her relatives and Americans who exoticize her looks.
Despite experiencing these hardships, Ying Ying manages become one of the creators of the app we now known as texting. Her life as an attractive Chinese woman and also a highly educated computer analyst is full of adventures and intrigue.
The story is fast moving and describes the thinking and emotions of Ying Ying.
Anyone who wants to get a sense of life during the Cultural Revolution and also the hurdles faced by Chinese immigrating to the US will find this book an interesting read.

[Esther Sulistio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad my friend recommended this book. This book is getting better by the chapter and truly captivating until the end. It left me with wanting more. It tells a story of perseverance of a Chinese girl immigrating to USA with the dream of a better life and education. Unfortunately, things were not better in the US. She encountered challenges one after another from family, marriage, immigration status, etc. Through the twist and turn, problem and mistake in her life, she finally found her life beautifully changed, just like a butterfly.
As inspiring as her life story is, it is also HIS amazing story throughout the journey that revealed His grand purpose just like a beautiful tapestry.
There are 22 chapters in the audiobook and didn't take me a long time to finish it. The narrator truly did a great job in reading it clearly, sometimes using different voices for different persons. Highly recommend it.

[Laura Ramsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was initially really intrigued by the premise of this book as I've read quite a few books with similar plots.

I was looking forward to seeing Ying-Ying's life from her start in life in Mao's China to moving to the US and navigating a whole new world.

However, I felt that as Ying-Ying matured, the writing style didn't progress with her. The writing style didn't match up with the very mature situations and ideas that were being discussed.

Also, trigger warning, but there seemed to be a slew of sexual assaults that felt like they served absolutely nothing to the plot except as a poor attempt at shock value.

I had high hopes for this book, but I feel like it missed the mark.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an inspiring book for women. I couldn't stop reading it as soon as I started it. A good reminder not to give up dream, hope, love and faith even when life gets incredibly difficult and seemingly only filled with disappointments. Love it’s ending. It's heartbreaking to see what a young girl had to go through since such a young age. Yet so brave and resilient, and the hopes and faith that helps her through. Easy, very enjoyable book to read. I could relate to the character’s different emotions that feel raw and authentic. Makes me cry and laugh with her. I first bought the book from Amazon, then bought several more copies during the book signing at B&N store to give way to several young women I know hopefully to inspire them as well.

[Laiwing Chiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joyful surprise in a world struggling with the darkness of so many evils, that “Wings of Silk”
presents great love, tender kindness, steel-like determination and vibrant courageousness to the reader!
The author carefully weaves her life story into our lives as if we had known her from the beginning. This
story is an epic journey through all life’s challenges, and the author invites us into her heart and soul to
see how God, our Creator can use a beautiful butterfly to change the world.
I am inspired to be a better person after reading this amazing book. I am compelled to never let life’s
circumstances deter my plans. I highly recommend this book to readers of any age. Five Stars for sure!

[Wei-Hsiung K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wings of Silk by Li-Ying Lundquist is a novel that inspires readers to put on their wings and soar to the limitless sky. Who would’ve thought that a young immigrant girl who, at one time, was nearly homeless in New York would someday become a sought-after engineer? The novel is also a cautionary tale for young women in search of love and security. Ying-Ying’s experience proves that a marriage without respect is doomed to fail, and that true love is worth waiting for. The novel is a good read. I found it hard to put it down as I followed Ying-Ying on her initiation from a naïve young woman unsure of her future to an accomplished professional engineer happily married to a man who loves her and her daughter from her previous marriage.

[Jessica Hammett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, hopeful, and easy read that feels like a memoir. Based on the author bio, it seems that the author actually went through many of the same experiences as the character she is writing about, which makes it feel authentic. One of the great lessons in this book is on the power of forgiveness, and I found that the words in this book impacted me and the relationships I have. I'm always encouraged by stories where heroines overcome great obstacles on their way to finding themselves. Sometimes it is our willingness to share the dark parts of our stories that allow the biggest light to shine for others.

[Gene Desrochers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had an interesting narrative structure with the main character speaking with some awkward English to mirror her being from China. It added an authenticity to her struggle. The story moved and I cared about Ying-Ying and her need to find a place in the world which is a theme I love. The reason it didn’t meet the 5-star was some preachiness, especially in the last third of the book. The narrator started telling too much and it felt rushed to get those last conflicts wrapped up. Otherwise an enlightening read that brought me into a world I know little about which is what I always hope from a good book.

[ywanderingreads · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book cover is gorgeous which was what caught my attention in the first place and the blurb made me want to read this even more but it fell flat for me halfway through.

This story follows Ying-ying, who grew up in China under the oppressive rule of the Cultural Revolution. Both her parents were professors in a university but were prosecuted to do hard labour. Ying-ying only had her older sister left and together they tried to live as normally as possible. Her parents were soon released and they all moved to another city to start over. Ying-king was then given the chance to study in America and she took that chance so she can provide a better life for her and her family. Little did she know that she will be deceived over and over again by people she trust.

It was interesting at first to read about Ying-ying’s life as an immigrant in New York as she learns how to be independent, how to find work and and learn who to trust all the while facing injustice in an unfamiliar country and dealing with betrayal. However, it stops there. Despite all her bravery, I feel that she doesn’t learn from her mistakes and continued to be naive and unguarded until it is too late. I was really rooting for her but some of her decisions really pissed me off.

The only saving grace is that Ying-ying is not someone who gives up easily when life throws her obstacle after obstacle. She is determined to make the best of her life and show everyone what she is capable of when she puts her mind to it. Sadly, this is still a no from me.

Thank you Netgalley and Acorn Publishing for the arc.

[Samantha Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn in from the blurb, it sounded different than anything I’ve read recently. Then once I got started I was drawn in by the writing and storyline. It completely drew me in from start to finish.
I loved the characters, I loved the great attention to history, and I loved the writing style. It was such an easy read to get lost in and I was sad when it was over.
I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved this.

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is REALLY well done.
The most important thing to me about any Historical Read is that the authors are true to the time and setting and that it feels authentic to those aspects. You can tell the author really put a lot in to this book in making sure all of that came across for the reader.
It’s full of rich history as well as a storyline that will completely draw in the reader from the start. Well done!

[☆ Katie ☆]

First of all, the cover for this book is GORGEOUS. I requested an ARC from Netgalley because it was a memoir about the Chinese-American female experience. Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. The writing and dialogue were clunky and unrefined. The pacing was slow, and there were not enough plot points to keep me interested.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot & characters blew me away! For me, this was completely enthralling. I enjoyed everything from getting to know the main character, the motivations, and how everything unfolded just captured me. I found this absolutely fascinating.
The story is well developed, and the characters come to life in Lundquist’s flowing prose. It is an easy read that will captivate you.

[Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very long for my taste and Ying-Ying did not have much character development or growth.
I did not know it was about Ying-Ying`s life being so horrible until she found god, wich i would have like to be in the blurb. To each their own, but i did not enjoy it when it was put like that.

[Lisa Vomero Inouye · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting and personal story about how cultural views and situations impact people's lives, and their struggle to find their true and authentic self. Despite over coming many obstacles, including the lack of family support, the key to success is holding on to your dreams!!!!! Never settle for less than you know you are capable of. You are stronger than you know!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2023
This book was beautiful from start to finish. The content comes to life bringing challenges, mixed with wonderful unexpected happiness and joy. Truly inspiring and well written. 💜 Definitely, a book many can relate to and a different perspective many wouldn’t expect.

[Ronly Schlenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honesty and vulnerability flow through this book

What a journey of learning, growing through trials and adversities. It’s a very inspiring contemporary immigrant story. I highly recommend this book to all young women in the STEM fields.

[David Shevick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting, colorful good read. Gives some unique, informative perspectives on the cultures of the the two greatest power in the world through a delightful story on how hardship and perseverance mill us into the deeper souls that we become - David Shevick, San Rafael, CA