While Lyn Liao Butler’s debut is called The Tiger Mom’s Tale, for me, this is really a book about sisterhood.
After more than 20 years estranged from her father and stepfamily in Taiwan, Lexa goes back to grapple with the stepmother who forced her out and separated her from her father. A biracial woman raised by white parents, with a white sister, in NYC, Lexa struggled with her identity, dealt with a thousand microaggressions, and pretty much shunned her Taiwanese culture.
It’s Lexa’s relationship with her sister Maddie and Hsu-Ling that standout in this story. Madd is self-centered, outspoken, and clueless about how the world views Lexa despite having grown up with her. And Hsu-Ling, despite the years and the distance between them, just wants to maintain their bond.
The book alternates between current day and 22 years ago, the last time Lexa was in Taiwan. Complicated family dynamics dominate both periods in Lexa’s life. Her stepmother views 14-year old Lexa as some kind of would-be usurper and in present day, her American sister Maddie is a real piece of work with some problematic attitudes about the LGBTQ+ community (it’s a little unclear if she really believes it, or has misplaced anger about the break-up of their parents’ marriage.
For me, where the book gets interesting is when Lexa finally goes back to Taiwan. I actually wish we’d spent more time there in present day, as the story line wraps up pretty fast once she gets there. And I didn’t totally believe one character’s transformation. That said, I really enjoyed reading a contemporary Asian American story that had nothing to do with wars or generational trauma. And I’d be really interested in another book with Lexa and Hsu-Ling that really lets them explore sisterhood as adults.
3.5 stars
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