We Were Dreamers
Available at Bookshop.org
5/5
“Look, I’m not here to lecture you about Eurocentricity or media bias; I just want to put forth the idea that maybe China has been the punching bag of the West for a very, very long time, and that nothing is gained from the continued demonization of its people... of my people.”
Review: Simu Liu is many things: actor, former accountant, social media activist, speaker, immigrant, entertainer, son. Something I was not expecting was writer and he is a damn good one. His writing style is clear and catchy, keeping you hooked and allowing his charisma and message to shine. When I first heard about this book, I thought there was no way he had lived enough to warrant a memoir this early in his life. I was wrong. This book is informative, entertaining, poignant, hilarious, and incredibly relatable. The account of his parents’ harrowing experience during China’s Cultural Revolution and incredibly journey to Canada is a truly beautiful and honorable retelling of their many sacrifices for a better life. It also opened my eyes to my own biases as well as the ignorance I have of my own parents’ immigrant journey.
“On that day I became more than just a comic book character—I became a part of an idea that everyone deserves to see themselves as superheroes, as the leads of their own stories, or simply, just as multifaceted beings with hopes and aspirations and flaws.”
The recount of his childhood and teenage years as a third culture kid with a complicated relationship with his parents is painfully relatable. Grappling with cultural identity as a teen speaks to millions of fellow immigrants and the children of immigrants. His post-college years feeling lost and finding his true self after shedding his parents expectations and accepting their massive influence on his life is the beginning of a healing journey that is only hinted at towards the end of the book. I look forward to the second memoir that will hopefully chronicle the healing journey between him and his parents.