In Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama, readers are transported to rural China in 1926, where a group of women working in a silk factory forge a sisterhood amidst the harsh conditions. The story follows Pei, a young girl sent to work in the factory by her family, who grows into womanhood while facing long hours and sending her pay back to the family who abandoned her. The narrative explores themes of ambition, friendship, and the struggle for freedom as the women organize a strike against the factory owner for better working conditions and wages, set against the backdrop of the looming Japanese invasion of China.

Women of the Silk is a beautifully written novel that brings its characters and setting to life, moving at a steady pace that allows for natural character and relationship development. The story delves into the bonds of friendship and the strength of women, portraying the struggles and resilience of Pei and her fellow workers in the silk factory. The book captures the essence of Chinese history and women's emancipation, offering a poignant tale of innocence lost and the acceptance of inevitable changes in the face of adversity.

Characters:

Characters are a point of contention; while some appreciate the sisterhood, many feel they lack depth and complexity.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style elicits mixed responses, combining lyrical elements with criticisms of flat characterizations and abrupt transitions.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around Pei's journey as she navigates her life in the silk factories, highlighting her relationships and the sociopolitical backdrop of early 20th century China.

Setting:

The setting is crucial to the story, portraying a turbulent early 20th century China amidst significant cultural and political changes.

Pacing:

Pacing varies; while some find it brisk and engaging, others note jarring jumps in time that disrupt the flow.

Her first memory of pain was an image of her mother. Pei was three or four the first time, and the same thing that had happened then was happening now. Her mother’s moans almost woke her from this day...

Notes:

The story is set in early 20th-century China, starting in 1919.

Pei, the main character, is sent to work in a silk factory at a young age to support her struggling family.

The book highlights the harsh working conditions faced by women in silk factories.

Pei forms strong bonds with her fellow workers, creating a sisterhood among the girls.

The narrative spans almost 20 years, ending just before World War II in 1938.

The author, Gail Tsukiyama, incorporates themes of independence and the struggles of women.

The book reflects the changing political landscape in China, including the rise of communism and the Japanese invasion.

Characters are often seen as flat or lacking depth, making it difficult for some readers to connect with them.

The structure of the novel includes shifting viewpoints within chapters, leading to a disjointed narrative for some readers.

The book has a poetic and evocative writing style, influenced by Tsukiyama's background in poetry.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content includes themes related to abandonment, harsh working conditions, and historical violence linked to the Japanese invasion.

From The Publisher:

In Women of the Silk Gail Tsukiyama takes her readers back to rural China in 1926, where a group of women forge a sisterhood amidst the reeling machines that reverberate and clamor in a vast silk factory from dawn to dusk.

Leading the first strike the village has ever seen, the young women use the strength of their ambition, dreams, and friendship to achieve the freedom they could never have hoped for on their own. Tsukiyama's graceful prose weaves the details of "the silk work" and Chinese village life into a story of courage and strength.

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About the Author:

Born to a Chinese mother and a Japanese father in San Francisco, Gail Tsukiyama now lives in El Cerrito, California. Her novels include Dreaming Water, The Language of Threads, The Samurai's Garden, and Night of Many Dreams.

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Women of the Silk

Gail Tsukiyama

Book 1 in the series:Women of the Silk