Publication
St. Martin's Griffin (1993), Edition: Reprint, 278 pages
Original publication date
1991
Collections
Description
Spanning the years between the world wars, this tale of a young Chinese girl forced to work in a silk factory describes the sisterhood of workers she discovers there.
User reviews
LibraryThing member mostlyliterary
Women of the Silk, Gail Tsukiyama's first novel, is well worth its strong reputation. We had the great pleasure of hosting the author at the Hayward Public Library in February 2009. As a member of the audience commented, readers can count on learning a lot from Tsukiyama's novels. In Women of the
Tsukiyama's meticulous research on the historical period and customs of the women silk workers is well integrated in a moving account of this subculture of Chinese girls, and the deep bonds they form with each other. Separated from their families and from the promise of marriage, we learn that many of these girls chose, as young women, to make a lifelong commitment to the silk factory work. A respected alternative to marriage, the hairdressing ceremony became a milestone for Chinese women who chose to lead a life independent from men. A fascinating, touching novel, which I highly recommend.
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Silk, we follow the principal character, Pei, who is essentially abandoned by her family when she is a young girl, sent off to the nearest silk-making factory to earn a living that will help her family survive. Living and working with other young Chinese girls, Pei's life is chronicled over a period of almost 20 years, beginning in 1919 and ending 1938, when Japanese soldiers are sweeping across China and Pei is forced to leave the city of Yung Kee to seek safety in Hong Kong.Tsukiyama's meticulous research on the historical period and customs of the women silk workers is well integrated in a moving account of this subculture of Chinese girls, and the deep bonds they form with each other. Separated from their families and from the promise of marriage, we learn that many of these girls chose, as young women, to make a lifelong commitment to the silk factory work. A respected alternative to marriage, the hairdressing ceremony became a milestone for Chinese women who chose to lead a life independent from men. A fascinating, touching novel, which I highly recommend.
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LibraryThing member Kiri
This novel starts out well but then moves very slowly until the last few chapters. While it was interesting, the authr nearly lost me in the middle with an overabundance of "basically not much happening for many chapters" for lack of another way to put it. However the last few chapters the pace
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picks up and things get interesting. The end made the middle almost worth it. The ending obviously sets up for at least a sequel as Pei heads into her future. The sequel is called The Language of Threads and I am looking forward to seeing what develops - especially if she remains in touch with Lin's family. Show Less
LibraryThing member bnavta
Gail Tsukiyama's story of a little girl whose farmer father must virtually sell her to the silk factory in order to keep his farm and the rest of his family to survive is surprisingly gentle for all the harshness and cruelty that its inhabitants suffer. But that was the culture of the time. A China
Tsukiyama does not shy from telling the reality and yet also retains that gentleness in her main character of Pei. It is definitely a story of innocence lost in many ways. There is a longing for what was and yet an acceptance of the changes tomorrow may bring.
This was the first of Tsukiyama's books I've read and I will definitely return for more.
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struggling through the depression, the threat of Japanese invasion, and Chiang Kai-shek, just trying to hold on to who and what they were in the midst of chaos.Tsukiyama does not shy from telling the reality and yet also retains that gentleness in her main character of Pei. It is definitely a story of innocence lost in many ways. There is a longing for what was and yet an acceptance of the changes tomorrow may bring.
This was the first of Tsukiyama's books I've read and I will definitely return for more.
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LibraryThing member JGoto
Tsukiyama's quiet prose tells the story of Pei and her sisterhood of fellow workers at a silk factory in China in the years preceeding WWII. Fully developed characters are not Tsukiyama's strong point, but the details about their lives makes this a worthwhile read.
LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama is an impressive debut novel. The author’s background in poetry shows clearly as the writing here is very evocative and lyrical. The book opens in 1919 China and tells the story of Pei a young girl from rural China as she, at age 8, is sent to a silk factory to
Covering twenty years in Pei’s life, this book also touches on the conditions in China at that time. The warlords are losing control, the communist are gathering power and the Japanese have invaded and are spreading horror in their path. While these events seem far away to Pei and her friends, they eventually find themselves caught in the changing times. On a more personal level, Pei’s story explores the close bonds among the sisterhood of silk workers and offers a great deal of detail about the process of spinning silk. This quiet, traditional way of life is in sharp contrast to the upheaval that is on their horizon.
I found Women of the Silk to be a fascinating read and the author’s meticulous research helps to create a picture of China in years leading up to the communist take-over. The one drawback to the story was the author’s failure to really breath life into her characters. The book is very much a descriptive rather than emotional narrative. However, this was a very worth while read and I fully intend to read the sequel to this book The Language of Threads at some point.
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work there among all the other young girls whose families need their wages more than they need the presence of another daughter. At first lonely and homesick, Pei eventually finds comfort and support in the kindness of the other girls who band together to nurture each other and their friendship brings the inquisitive and quick witted Pei the family love that she needs.Covering twenty years in Pei’s life, this book also touches on the conditions in China at that time. The warlords are losing control, the communist are gathering power and the Japanese have invaded and are spreading horror in their path. While these events seem far away to Pei and her friends, they eventually find themselves caught in the changing times. On a more personal level, Pei’s story explores the close bonds among the sisterhood of silk workers and offers a great deal of detail about the process of spinning silk. This quiet, traditional way of life is in sharp contrast to the upheaval that is on their horizon.
I found Women of the Silk to be a fascinating read and the author’s meticulous research helps to create a picture of China in years leading up to the communist take-over. The one drawback to the story was the author’s failure to really breath life into her characters. The book is very much a descriptive rather than emotional narrative. However, this was a very worth while read and I fully intend to read the sequel to this book The Language of Threads at some point.
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LibraryThing member YAbookfest
Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama is the story of Pei, a Chinese girl from a rural family so poor her father sends her to be a worker at a silk factory in the town of Yung Kee. There, Pei lives in a household of girls watched after by kind-hearted Auntie Yee. As she grows from child to young
Women of the Silk is a good choice for students in grade 8 or older with an interest in other cultures and historical fiction.
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woman, Pei’s friends become her family as well as her co-workers. They work long hours at the factory, under conditions that are harsh and sometimes dangerous. When Chung, the factory owner, steps up demands, the silk workers feel enslaved by him and dare to strike for better conditions, foreshadowing the revolution to come. In the meanwhile, the Japanese invasion of China threatens the safety of all.Women of the Silk is a good choice for students in grade 8 or older with an interest in other cultures and historical fiction.
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LibraryThing member iammbb
I purchased this book used from eBay in October after it was recommended by a friend as a good book club selection. I picked it up now since I thought it would be an interesting follow-up to Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See.
And so it was.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan ends in the 1920s
Women of the Silk is the story of Pei, a headstrong, inquisitive middle daughter of a poor farmer who is sold to work in the silk factories to help her family survive a near famine. While this is traumatic for both Pei and her parents, in Pei's case, it turns out to be a positive and possibly life-saving move.
The book has a strong but subtle feminist streak and it does not dwell on the negative aspects of the silk workers' lives.
Neither the ups nor downs are presented in an overly emotionally gripping fashion but the author does create a well-crafted sense of foreboding towards the end of the book that enhances the book's page-turning appeal.
And so it was.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan ends in the 1920s
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just as Women of the Silk is beginning. Both books are set in the same general area of the country so many of the customs portrayed in Women of the Silk were already familiar.Women of the Silk is the story of Pei, a headstrong, inquisitive middle daughter of a poor farmer who is sold to work in the silk factories to help her family survive a near famine. While this is traumatic for both Pei and her parents, in Pei's case, it turns out to be a positive and possibly life-saving move.
The book has a strong but subtle feminist streak and it does not dwell on the negative aspects of the silk workers' lives.
Neither the ups nor downs are presented in an overly emotionally gripping fashion but the author does create a well-crafted sense of foreboding towards the end of the book that enhances the book's page-turning appeal.
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LibraryThing member autumnesf
Great book about Chinese women working in the silk factories.
LibraryThing member moonstormer
This was a beautifully written book that made its characters and setting come alive. It moved at a steady pace, letting the characters and relationships develop without seeming forced or sluggish. Perhaps it as my imagination, but I must say that certain characters seemed to have some homoerotic
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elements in their relationships. While it never truly comes out that way, the sisterhood seemed to be closer than I would have imagined. I would definitely recommend this book, particularly to those interested in Chinese history or women's emancipation. Show Less
LibraryThing member clue
Everything I've read by Gail Tsukiyama has been good. This pre World War II story helps us understand what women in China experienced as silk workers. Tsukiyama is very good at causing the reader to care about the characters. Consequently, this is a book that lifts you out of your own life.
LibraryThing member amandacb
A wonderfully-written story by Gail Tsukiyama about Chinese women silk makers. Tsukiyama is consistent about weaving potent and sympathetic characters into her poetic narratives. Definitely a must-read, as are most of her novels.
LibraryThing member FicusFan
The story is set in 1919 in China which is in flux, westerners have brought new ways and technology, old traditions are changing, and towards the end the Japanese are marauding through the country.
The main POV, Pei is the middle daughter whose future as a wife and mother is not clear, according to
The book follows Pei as she tries to adapt to the loss of her family, the hard work in the factory, and life in the girl's house along with others who have also been consigned to the same fate.
The book is well written, the characters are good, and the setting is interesting. It is also a short book, and is mostly told as a summary type narrative. The chapters alternate with the POV of different characters. The story moves quickly and chapters often jump from one year to the next, or several years ahead.
If there is any problem, it seems that everything is too easy and Pei has it too good in the girl's house. I am sure there were good houses, but the idea that they all seemed to be run lovingly for the girls seems a bit too perfect.
The book also shows the introduction of the concept of independent women who choose to live for their work and sisterhood, rather than go home and marry. In the past in China this was reserved for those who were in the sex trade. Now the girls have to overcome the suspicion and taint of immorality that accompanies their decision.
The book introduces many points of social conflict, but doesn't really follow up on them because the narrative moves so quickly and with lots of summary, rather than detail.
The main POV, Pei is the middle daughter whose future as a wife and mother is not clear, according to
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a fortuneteller. The reading paves the way for her impoverished family to sell her as a silk worker in a far away larger city.The book follows Pei as she tries to adapt to the loss of her family, the hard work in the factory, and life in the girl's house along with others who have also been consigned to the same fate.
The book is well written, the characters are good, and the setting is interesting. It is also a short book, and is mostly told as a summary type narrative. The chapters alternate with the POV of different characters. The story moves quickly and chapters often jump from one year to the next, or several years ahead.
If there is any problem, it seems that everything is too easy and Pei has it too good in the girl's house. I am sure there were good houses, but the idea that they all seemed to be run lovingly for the girls seems a bit too perfect.
The book also shows the introduction of the concept of independent women who choose to live for their work and sisterhood, rather than go home and marry. In the past in China this was reserved for those who were in the sex trade. Now the girls have to overcome the suspicion and taint of immorality that accompanies their decision.
The book introduces many points of social conflict, but doesn't really follow up on them because the narrative moves so quickly and with lots of summary, rather than detail.
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LibraryThing member astrologerjenny
This simply written novel tells the story of women who work in a silk factory in a little Chinese town in the 20s. It follows one woman, Pei, beginning with her childhood as the daughter of a mulberry farmer. When lean times come, young Pei is taken to work in the silk factory, living in a house
This is a lesbian novel, but at the same time, it’s very innocent. Sex is only glanced upon. Mostly it’s about the love between Pei and Lin, and about the sisterhood that grows between the silk workers.
The cultural and historical details are fascinating. If they’re true, then Tsukiyama did a great deal of research. If not, she invented a wonderful and very plausible community. The novel proceeds in a measured way and feels absolutely real.
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with other workers. Her salary is sent home to keep her family alive. Pei forms a close, lifelong attachment with Lin, one of the girls in the house. This is a lesbian novel, but at the same time, it’s very innocent. Sex is only glanced upon. Mostly it’s about the love between Pei and Lin, and about the sisterhood that grows between the silk workers.
The cultural and historical details are fascinating. If they’re true, then Tsukiyama did a great deal of research. If not, she invented a wonderful and very plausible community. The novel proceeds in a measured way and feels absolutely real.
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LibraryThing member caroren
Strangely stiff and predictable coming-of-age debut novel about a young Chinese girl's hardships in early-20th-century China. Protagonist Pei is Tsukiyama's rather lifeless exemplar of the difficult lives of Chinese women throughout history. Born into a typically patriarchal peasant family
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dominated by a cold father who undervalues women's lives, the adolescent Pei is sent off to a silk farm after a fortuneteller predicts she will be a ``nonmarrying'' (hence nonproductive) adult. In Yung Kee Village, Pei works alongside other Chinese girls and women similarly victimized. Many have been ousted from families for refusing arranged marriages; others have chosen family exile as a means of self-determination. Under the supervision of the warm, matriarchal Auntie Yee, these women form friendships emblematic of their new independence. Their nurturing community is initially untouched by the war with Japan raging miles away, and Pei is fascinated when some of her friends choose to enter a ``hairdressing'' ceremony and swear off marriage forever. But hardships intervene: monsoons, isolation, a strike, the war, and eventually fire and death disrupt the female commune. Pei returns home briefly to become reconciled with her parents, then symbolically sets off at novel's end on a voyage for freedom and independence. Unfortunately, Tsukiyama's narrative limps methodically from incident to incident; the book is more descriptive than dramatic--it feels like an outline, not a novel- -and Pei is too passive and unchanging a character to make the life-affirming ending resonate. Show Less
LibraryThing member jenn_stringer
A novel about the bonds of friendship and the strength of women. It follows Pei a young Chinese girl born into poverty and sold to the silk factories as a child. What she begins to understand is that her life much better with the family of women who work in the factories than it would have been at
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home. The book follows the women as they fight for better working conditions and eventually through the Japanese threat of the 1930's. Show Less
LibraryThing member lrobe190
Spanning the years between the world wars, this tale of a young Chinese girl, Pei, forced to work in a silk factory describes the sisterhood of workers she discovers there. (summary from ISBN 0312099436).
I found much of the history in this book fascinating, but as a novel, it seemed rather flat.
I found much of the history in this book fascinating, but as a novel, it seemed rather flat.
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None of the characters were fully developed and it was difficult to care about them. A major theme in this story was the women organizing to strike against the owner of the factory for better working conditions and wages. I wasn't sure if that was a fact...it seemed early in history for labor strikes, especially among Asian women. Interesting story, but not compelling. Show Less
LibraryThing member christinejoseph
@ girls sent to work w/ silkworms — live in house work factory
$ home to parents — interesting
Sent by her family to work in a silk factory just prior to World War II, young Pei grows to womanhood, working fifteen-hour days and sending her pay to the family who abandoned her.
In "Women of the
$ home to parents — interesting
Sent by her family to work in a silk factory just prior to World War II, young Pei grows to womanhood, working fifteen-hour days and sending her pay to the family who abandoned her.
In "Women of the
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Silk" Gail Tsukiyama takes her readers back to rural China in 1926, where a group of women forge a sisterhood amidst the reeling machines that reverberate and clamor in a vast silk factory from dawn to dusk. Leading the first strike the village has ever seen, the young women use the strength of their ambition, dreams, and friendship to achieve the freedom they could never have hoped for on their own. Show Less
LibraryThing member Dreesie
A quick historical fiction read that looks at the lives of silk factory girls--and how they got there--during the 1920s/1930s in a town outside Canton.
Pei is given to a girls' house as a child of about 7--her father's fish/mulberry farm is struggling, her mother is ill, and someone needs to make
Over the next 10-15 years she grows up, makes friends, advances in the factory, and is supporting her family back home--until the Japanese advance in the late 1930s. They never come to visit, while other girls' families do (or they write). As an adult, she realizes she was chosen as her docile sister would not have survived being left to factory work.
This book is interesting and a good read, but it also seems far-fetched. Were there really such girls' homes? Were women really allowed to be so independent? Were the girls really treated so well? I have no idea.
Pei is given to a girls' house as a child of about 7--her father's fish/mulberry farm is struggling, her mother is ill, and someone needs to make
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money. Pei is chosen, her older sister Li stays home. She is left at the girls home with no warning. Over the next 10-15 years she grows up, makes friends, advances in the factory, and is supporting her family back home--until the Japanese advance in the late 1930s. They never come to visit, while other girls' families do (or they write). As an adult, she realizes she was chosen as her docile sister would not have survived being left to factory work.
This book is interesting and a good read, but it also seems far-fetched. Were there really such girls' homes? Were women really allowed to be so independent? Were the girls really treated so well? I have no idea.
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LibraryThing member mashley
Read more of this author.
LibraryThing member Lunawhimsy
An incredible read. I’m addicted to Tsukiyama. Story of a young peasant girl Pei, whose father, for the sake of their small farm, takes her to Yung Kee to work in a silk factory. Pei lives and works, making friends, and becoming an independent woman. The sequel is Language of Threads. I really
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was blown away my the mirroring of themes. Silk worms only eat mulberry leaves, then they weave a cocoon, of One Silk Thread, the cocoons are harvested and sent to the silk factory where the cocoon are placed in hot water to soften, each cocoon is slowly unraveled to find the One True Thread. Then the next cocoon’s One True Thread is joined to it. Eventually you have one continuous thread that will be woven into the beautiful cloth known as silk. Pei is a curious peasant child. Her father harvests mulberry leaves. Just as Pei is sent to the silk factory to work, her money being sent home to nurture her family’s farm, and family. Pei’s live changes as the silk worm, each girl at the factory being a One True Thread that is woven together to create a beautiful fabric. Just as the mulberry leaf nurtures the silk worm, so has the factory and her friends nurtured Pei. Giving her the ability to live a life she would have been denied had she remained with her family. Show Less
LibraryThing member BookConcierge
This work of historical fiction takes us to early 20th century China and the unique position of the women who worked in the silk factories in lieu of marriage, in order to help their families survive hard times.
Pei is but a child, about 9 years old, when her father, a struggling farmer, takes her
I loved the unexpected strength and determination of these young women as they made their own way in a culture that restricted opportunities for women. The independence they gained, though initially forced on them, became their most prized attribute. They forged strong bonds and were successful in going against the male owners of the plant to demand better working conditions and shorter work hours.
The novel ends just as the Japanese invasion in 1938 ends their way of life, and Pei, along with a younger “sister” heads out for the next phase of their life’s journey.
This is one of Tsukiyama’s earlier works. It was interesting and engaging, and I’m glad I read it, but it isn’t up to the excellence so evident in her later novels.
Pei is but a child, about 9 years old, when her father, a struggling farmer, takes her
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to Auntie Yee’s house in the “large” village that has several silk factories. Unaware that this is more than just a visit, an adventure with her father, Pei goes with the kind Auntie Yee to “see the house” only to realize too late that her father has left her there. While she is heartbroken at first, she does eventually accept the kindness and friendship of other girls in the house and begins to learn the work of the silk factory. More importantly, she forms a close bond with the girls and women she comes to view as her new family.I loved the unexpected strength and determination of these young women as they made their own way in a culture that restricted opportunities for women. The independence they gained, though initially forced on them, became their most prized attribute. They forged strong bonds and were successful in going against the male owners of the plant to demand better working conditions and shorter work hours.
The novel ends just as the Japanese invasion in 1938 ends their way of life, and Pei, along with a younger “sister” heads out for the next phase of their life’s journey.
This is one of Tsukiyama’s earlier works. It was interesting and engaging, and I’m glad I read it, but it isn’t up to the excellence so evident in her later novels.
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Language
Original language
English
ISBN
0312099436 / 9780312099435
Physical description
278 p.; 5.55 inches
Pages
278