Becoming a Mask

Abstract

A collection of short stories exploring Chinese immigration of the United States and its generational effects on family and identity. Set primarily in New York and Fujian, China, many of these stories examine the pains and joys of a particular historic wave of Fujianese migration to the U.S. in th late-20th century, which gave rise to th Fujianese community in New York City, through various perspectives- some from the point of view of those who immigrate, some from the viewpoint of individuals, mostly adolescents, of the generation that followed this initial wave. Family secrets, gender roles, the fraughtness of communication and connection, and art- making feature heavily ninthis collection. These stories aim to illuminate this notable period of Chinese immigration otothe U.S. and humanize migrants and their communities.