Unpolished Gem
Insightful
Sweet
Surprising

Unpolished Gem

Alice Pung2006
This story does not begin on a boat. Nor does it contain any wild swans or falling leaves. In a wonderland called Footscray, a girl named Alice and her Chinese-Cambodian family pursue the Australian Dream - Asian style. Armed with an ocker accent, Alice dives head-first into schooling, romance and the getting of wisdom. Her mother becomes an Aussie battler - an outworker, that is. Her father embraces the miracle of franchising and opens an electrical-appliance store. And every day her grandmother blesses Father Government for giving old people money. Unpolished Gemis a book rich in comedy, a loving and irreverent portrait of a family, its everyday struggles and bittersweet triumphs. With it, Australian writing gains an unforgettable new voice. 'This is a sophisticated and fiercely intelligent book.' Helen Garner'A memoir so vivid that images from it linger behind your eyelids.' The Age'Unpolished Gemis virtuoso storytelling.' The Australian
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Reviews

Photo of Beatrix
Beatrix@yurtletheturtle
4.5 stars
Jan 23, 2023
Sweet
Honest
Insightful
Surprising

Highlights

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