Transparency: Stories

Frances Hwang
Back Bay Books (2007)
ISBN 9780316166935
Reviewed by Deb Shunamon for Reader Views (6/07)


Frances Hwang’s “Transparency” will appeal to anyone who enjoys well-written and thoughtful glimpses of life. This wonderful collection of short stories is promoted as having a focus on the generational and cultural challenges of Chinese immigrants and their American-born children, but I found these insightful tales to be equally about the search for meaning and direction in all people’s lives.

“Sonata for a Left Hand” was my favorite; a lovely presentation of our innate human need for connection and belonging. Other topics involve women negotiating life as best they can; and the younger generation’s lack of idealism and search for meaning in their lives, often times thinking they are (or are trying their best to be) different from their parents, but not realizing that the values they were raised with tie them closer to their families than they realize. It was only when I was reminded that the characters were Chinese-American that I found myself paying attention to this cultural group, and in stories such as “The Modern Age” and “Transparency,” the reader learns that cultural changes are not an easy thing for anyone, at any age. However, even these stories still spoke to me of common experiences between people, and families, beyond this one community.

Frances Hwang has a very relaxed style of writing. She eases you into her stories and they flow effortlessly along, and before you know it, you find yourself very anxious to learn what will happen next. She also never disappoints in providing realistic endings that encourage the reader to stop and think before continuing on. In “Transparency,” Frances Hwang offers readers a diverse array of general, and Chinese-American, experiences as people make their way through modern life. I really enjoyed my time with this book.

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