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A review by tuma
Age 16 by Rosena Fung
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Age 16 by Rosena Fung is a beautiful graphic novel that follows three generations of Chinese woman at age 16.
In Guangdong, 1954, Mei Laan longs for freedom until her father arranges a marriage for it that isn't what it seems.
In Hong Kong, 1972, Mei Laan's daughter Lydia loves to dance but struggles with self image due to her mother's harsh criticisms.
Finally, Toronto, 2000 and Lydia's daughter Rosalind aka Roz is preparing for prom and university while fighting insecurities instilled by her mom and beauty standards regarding her body.
I loved the art and coloring of this book. Each girl's coming of age story is shaded in its own color palette: Roz in purple, Lydia is orange, and Mei Laan is green.
There's powerful messages around mother/daughter relationships, generational trauma, how we can hurt our children if we don't heal ourselves, identity, and how we become a product of society and history, unless we consciousnessly choose otherwise.
Finally, I loved how the healing between the women begins on page, reassuring us that's it's not too late and they will each find the healing they deserve, reaffirming their connection and relationship. 💜
Highly recommended Age 16 for readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories, graphic novels, mother/daughter relationships, and/or looking to learn more about Chinese culture and history during the 1950s to 70s.
In Guangdong, 1954, Mei Laan longs for freedom until her father arranges a marriage for it that isn't what it seems.
In Hong Kong, 1972, Mei Laan's daughter Lydia loves to dance but struggles with self image due to her mother's harsh criticisms.
Finally, Toronto, 2000 and Lydia's daughter Rosalind aka Roz is preparing for prom and university while fighting insecurities instilled by her mom and beauty standards regarding her body.
I loved the art and coloring of this book. Each girl's coming of age story is shaded in its own color palette: Roz in purple, Lydia is orange, and Mei Laan is green.
There's powerful messages around mother/daughter relationships, generational trauma, how we can hurt our children if we don't heal ourselves, identity, and how we become a product of society and history, unless we consciousnessly choose otherwise.
Finally, I loved how the healing between the women begins on page, reassuring us that's it's not too late and they will each find the healing they deserve, reaffirming their connection and relationship. 💜
Highly recommended Age 16 for readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories, graphic novels, mother/daughter relationships, and/or looking to learn more about Chinese culture and history during the 1950s to 70s.