52 pages • 1 hour read
Jamie FordThe Many Daughters of Afong Moy
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford explores the multigenerational trauma inherited by the fictional descendants of Afong Moy, the first Chinese woman to immigrate to America. Set in a nonlinear timeline, the novel connects Dorothy Moy in 2045 undergoing epigenetic therapy to her ancestors, revealing their struggles with racism, misogyny, and personal hardships, ultimately depicting a journey of healing through the power of epigenetics. This text deals with suicidal ideation, sexual abuse, physical abuse, multiple instances of medical trauma, exploitation based on race and culture, and occasional ethnic slurs, as well as an emotionally intimate relationship between a teenager and her teacher.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford dazzles with its rich, multi-generational storytelling and lyrical prose. Critics praise its deep emotional resonance and historical depth. However, some find the narrative complexity occasionally overwhelming. Overall, the novel captivates through its poignant exploration of heritage and identity.
Who Should Read The Many Daughters of Afong Moy?
Readers who enjoy intergenerational narratives and intricate explorations of heritage and identity, akin to Lisa See’s Snow Flower and the Secret Fan or Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club, will find Jamie Ford’s The Many Daughters of Afong Moy profoundly moving and compelling.