Tori's Reviews > Number One Chinese Restaurant

The Beijing Duck House is a well known local establishment beloved by it’s aging clientele and loyal waitstaff. When disaster strikes, it forces everyone with a connection to the restaurant to face the conflicts that have been simmering for years and decide for once where loyalty begins and ends.

Li writes an interesting and emotionally complex multi-generational story that looks deep into the culture of an Asian American family and the conflicts that have ruled their lives as they strive to achieve the American dream promised to them so many years ago. Told from three points of view, we watch as this large family bound by blood and friendship cope with the upheaval caused by one of their own. Darkly humorous and honest, Li showcases her characters in a bright light, taking no pains to cover their flaws as she guides readers through a turbulent sea of family dysfunction, melodrama, parental manipulation, and child rebellion. A little dry and verbose at times, the overall story engaged and I look forward to seeing what Li comes up with next. Grade: C+