Word Out 2014

Midnight at the Dragon Café by Judy Fong Bates

Reviewed by William

In the 1960s, Su-Jen and her mother migrate from war torn China to a remote Ontario town just outside of Toronto. They find refuge at a small Chinese café, where Su-Jen's newlywed husband works, and they slowly adjust to their new life. Su-Jen, however, realizes that they are the only Asian family residing in the town. And with the arrival of her elder step brother, who forms an affair with Su-Jen's mother, Su-Jen's new life in Canada proves to be difficult. She struggles to transition from being an obedient little Asian girl to becoming a Canadian, grappling with Canadian norms and values while also keeping the secrets of each of the family members.

I  first encountered this novel when I chose it as one of the books I had to read to write an English essay. During that writing process, I found myself really hooked into the storyline and compelled by the intriguing displays of emotion from Su-Jen and the rest of the characters. It is a story of cultural identity and the barriers surrounding it. Author Judy Fong Bates genuinely crafts an honest tale about the instability of immigrant families, especially during a time of fear and healing.

As one who has paren'ts from a different country, I could relate to some of the feelings the protagonist narrates in this novel. Readers should take into account her struggles to fit in and deal with the dichotomy settling into her household. As the story progresses, more and more twists will entice the imagination until you reach the climactic tragedy at the end.

Overall, Midnight at the Dragon Café is a highly recommended read. While there may be no dragons, wizards, or people with extraordinary powers, if you are into more culturally reflective literature, start with this. A former One Book Community Read selection, this novel is definitely essay and discussion material.