“The Many Daughters of Afong Moy” by Jamie Ford

Title: The Many Daughters of Afong Moy
Author: Jamie Ford
Publisher:  Atria Books    
Year: 2022    
Genre(s): historical fiction, fiction
Part of a Series: No.

Rating: 

Why I read it: Once Upon a Book Club pick

Summary: Dorothy has used her mental health struggles to fuel her art. But when they get too much and she worries her daughter will face the same problems, Dorothy undergoes a risky and experimental treatment to find the root of her problems. She learns it may not lie in her own past but the past of her ancestors, several women who have faced their own struggles going all the way back to one of the first Chinese women in America, Afong Moy. Will Dorothy be able to break free from generational trauma? Will she finally be able to find the peace and love she wants for both herself and her daughter?

Review: I think this was an interesting idea – exploring generational trauma through it being passed down through DNA – but maybe the author got a little overambitious.

In total, we followed the stories of six different women: Dorothy, Greta, Zoe, Faye, Lai King, and Afong. They all have their own struggles and traumas which add up until Dorothy seems to be bearing them all as she worries about her own daughter, Annabel. But I felt as if a few got more fleshed out than others. For the most part, I feel Zoe and Faye could’ve had their stories fleshed out more than they were. Or maybe they could’ve gotten cut in the end as I’m not sure their stories and how they applied to Dorothy’s struggles really had the same impact as the others.

I also think the person – and love – that kept evading these women through their story could’ve been better handled in some stories. It was set up well enough in Afong’s and handled well with Lai King. Faye’s story with the person was heartbreaking and compelling. And it was woven pretty well into Dorothy’s. But Greta’s and Zoe’s stories felt a little lacking, which led me to giving the book 3 1/2 moons rather than 4.

This book was an interesting combination. Many of the stories take place in the past and therefore qualify it for historical fiction. Ford clearly did a lot of research and brought each time period to life. I enjoyed how well he wrote them.

However, Dorothy’s story takes place in 2042 – the future. It’s a future where the Pacific Northwest regularly experiences powerful hurricanes. A future filled with automation and screens. And the therapy Dorothy undergoes has a futuristic feel though it is based on research being done now.

So it’s both historical fiction and futuristic.

It also touches on some important topics without feeling too heavy handed – racism, homophobia, misogyny, and more are addressed. It felt natural to the story being told.

Bottom line: A good story that has only a few weak spots.

Sex: Some graphic parts, including of sexual assault

Moonlight Musing

Would you like to witness the memories of your ancestors?