A review by murasaki_egawa
Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok

challenging emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

 

While reading "Girl in Translation" it reminds me of a friend that had almost similar experience as Kim in the book.  This friend came to Canada from Hong Kong with her family (parents and older brothers) while she was five. It was her uncle who helped her family on immigration. They live on top of their uncle's restaurant, and work in her uncle's restaurant with a very low salary (even free if the work is done by children). 

I truly believe education is the key to escape the cycle of poverty.  But by looking at the school that my kids are in, I notice the school is not providing equal opportunity for all students. Just like in the book, Kim doesn't have a TV or newspaper to get information about current events. Not every kid in school has a cellphone or technology that they can finish their school work. And with some kids having data and some only able to use school wifi, it creates another unfair race while competing with bonus marks in some courses.