Homeseeking, Karissa Chen (Review by Stacey Lorenson)

Rating: 4.0/5 Stars

In her stunning debut novel, Karissa Chen mesmerizes readers in this epic, multi-generational saga about the Chinese diaspora. Childhood best friends become soulmates, separated by civil war, relate their life experiences through two POVs. Haiwen, a boy from upper-class parents, destined to be a classical violinist,narrates his story from the present to past, while Suchi, a girl from a poor family, whose future depends on who she marries,relates her story from past to present. Decades later, Suchi and Haiwen find their way back to each other as they untangle 60 years of secrets, longing, and guilt. Will they be able to put their complicated, heartbreaking past behind them?

Homeseeking is a meticulously researched historical fiction that travels from Shanghai to Hong Kong, Taiwan and the United States. The depth of human experience is explored throughcomplex and fragile characters as Chen examines topics that continue to be relevant today: cultural identity, intergenerational trauma, legacy, love, loss, forgiveness, connection, classism,immigration, and imperialism. Homeseeking gives a compassionate cultural narrative that is intensely intimate and relatable.