The Sorrows of Others

By Ada Zhang,

Book cover of The Sorrows of Others

Book description

A NATIONAL BOOK FOUNDATION 5 UNDER 35

Set in China and America, in the generations after the Cultural Revolution, The Sorrows of Others is a dazzling collection about people confronted with being outsiders―as immigrants, as revolutionaries, and even, often, within their own families.

"Writers with virtually perfect debuts are certainly…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Sorrows of Others as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

In this debut collection, Zhang writes so well about the peculiar loneliness of living far from home. 

I grew up in Scotland, and I never get to go back there as often as I would like, or to stay as long, so I have huge sympathy for her characters, many of whom are immigrants who can’t stop thinking about the places and the people they’ve left behind.

I love that in these stories, making jello salad or getting a perm can be a major event.

Want books like The Sorrows of Others?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Sorrows of Others.

Browse books like The Sorrows of Others

Book cover of China Men
Book cover of On Gold Mountain: The 100-Year Odyssey of My Chinese-American Family
Book cover of Watercress

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,187

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Chinese Americans, family, and the Chinese Cultural Revolution?

Family 4,101 books