Mr Ma and Son

Mr Ma and Son follows a Chinese widower and his son who relocate to London in the late 1920s to take over an antique shop inherited from a deceased relative. The pair settle near St. Paul's Cathedral and take lodging with an English family, the Wedderburns, on the recommendation of a local clergyman. The story tracks the daily life and social interactions of the two men as they navigate British society and attempt to run their small business. Their experiences range from managing the antique shop to developing relationships with their English landlords and other London residents. The father and son each form complex bonds with members of the Wedderburn household, while confronting the realities of being Chinese immigrants in interwar London. Their efforts to establish themselves in British society meet with varying degrees of acceptance and resistance. Through its portrayal of cross-cultural encounters in 1920s London, the novel examines themes of cultural identity, prejudice, and the immigrant experience, while offering commentary on both British and Chinese society of the period.

Readers note the book's detailed portrayal of anti-Chinese racism in 1920s London, with many finding its themes still relevant today. The story maintains a balance of humor and serious social commentary. Likes: - Character development of Ma and his son - Cultural observations from a Chinese perspective - Subtle satirical elements - Translation quality (2013 edition) Dislikes: - Slow pacing in middle sections - Some subplots feel unresolved - Repetitive descriptions of daily routines - Limited availability of English translations Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (16 ratings) One reader called it "a fascinating time capsule of Chinese-British relations." Another noted "the father-son dynamic hits harder than the romance plot." Multiple reviews mentioned difficulty finding copies outside academic libraries. Several Chinese readers commented that the English translation captures Lao She's writing style effectively.

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan Explores the cultural tensions and identity conflicts experienced by Chinese immigrants and their children in America.

On Gold Mountain by Lisa See Chronicles a Chinese family's immigration journey and their struggles to establish a business in America while navigating racial prejudice.

Native Speaker by Chang-Rae Lee Follows a Korean-American businessman in New York who confronts discrimination and questions of belonging in professional and personal spheres.

China Boy by Gus Lee Depicts a young Chinese immigrant's life in San Francisco's Panhandle neighborhood as he navigates between traditional family values and American culture.

The Last Chinese Chef by Nicole Mones Presents the story of a Chinese-American chef in Beijing who connects with his heritage through traditional cuisine while facing cultural misconceptions.

🔷 The author Lao She lived in London from 1924 to 1929, teaching Chinese at the School of Oriental Studies, giving him firsthand experience of the cultural dynamics he portrays in the novel. 🔷 Mr Ma and Son was banned in China during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), along with most of Lao She's other works, despite its international acclaim. 🔷 The novel's setting near St Paul's Cathedral deliberately places Chinese immigrants at the heart of British cultural and religious identity, creating a powerful symbolic contrast. 🔷 The author tragically ended his life in 1966 after being publicly humiliated and beaten during the Cultural Revolution, making this one of his last major works to reach international audiences. 🔷 The book was first published in 1929 under its Chinese title "二马" (Er Ma), which literally means "Two Mas," referring to the father and son protagonists.