Four Treasures of the Sky by Jenny Tinghui Zhang

Title: Four Treasures of the Sky
Author: Jenny Tinghui Zhang
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Genre: Historical Fiction
Year of Publication: 2022
Date of Publication: April 5, 2022
Pages: 336
ISBN-13: 9781250811783

Our Rating of This Book

Summary

Four Treasures of the Sky follows the journey of Daiyu, a young Chinese girl who was kidnapped and brought to America in the late 1800s. Daiyu was named after a tragic heroine from Chinese folklore.

First, let me say that Daiyu’s story has some really heavy and sad parts. A lot of it is about her struggles to survive in an America, which was at the time very hostile to Chinese immigrants. It’s not only hostility she faces that is challenging but she is trafficked and goes though severe hardship. Notwithstanding all she goes through, she attempts to forge a new identity. The story is about the dangers she faces, prejudice, and the resilience needed to survive.

Main Plot & Characters

The protagonist, Daiyu, is a young girl whose life takes a tragic turn when she is kidnapped. Throughout her journey, she assumes different identities and learns to survive in a world that marginalizes her.

The book also includes other key characters who are people she meets along the way and we learn about their varied attitudes toward Chinese immigrants. While some of the characters show her kindnesses, others are racist and reflect the cruelty of the time.

Even though the story is a difficult one, what is undeniable is Daiyu’s growth and her determination to rise above her circumstances.

Key Themes of Four Treasures of the Sky

The novel is about resilience, cultural heritage, and survival. As a reader, you learn about some experiences of Chinese immigrants in 19th-century America. The novel also touches on the effects of discrimination and erasure.

It was interesting to learn that The novel’s title references the “four treasures” of Chinese calligraphy, and that this symbolizes Daiyu’s connection to her homeland and her inner strength.

Writing Style

Jenny Tinghui Zhang’s writing adds Chinese folklore and descriptions that really bring the book to life. She writes in a way that as a reader you feel Daiyu’s fear, courage, and determination.