"American Knees" ( Shawn Wong )

Paper Summary:

"Shawn Wong, in his novel American Knees, explores some of the problems faced by a young Chinese-American as he attempts to work, live and love in the United States. As the book begins, Raymond Ding is being divorced by his wife Darleen, a situation which cuts him off not only from her but from the relative cultural stability his association with her family has previously provided him.

From the Paper:

"Shawn Wong, in his novel American Knees, explores some of the problems faced by a young Chinese-American as he attempts to work, live and love in the United States. As the book begins, Raymond Ding is being divorced by his wife Darleen, a situation which cuts him off not only from her but from the relative cultural stability his association with her family has previously provided him. Although the book certainly attempts to examine important racial and gender issues, Wong's inconsistency as a writer and his lack of control over his material limit the effectiveness of this important examination.

At times, the book's comic tone produces an almost farcical reality, as in the opening scene which focuses on the divorce and is intended to establish a foundation for what is to follow (11-14). At other times, the discussions about serious issues seem..."

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