Waterstones Welsh Book of the Month for August 2023
An eye-opening memoir revealing the stories behind living in and running a Chinese takeaway.
Growing up in a Chinese takeaway in rural Wales,Angela Hui was exposed from a very young age the struggle of being East Asian in Britain. From attacks on the shopfront (in other words,their home),to verbal abuse from customers,and confrontations that ended with her dad wielding the meat cleaver; life growing up in a takeaway was far from peaceful.
But alongside the strife,there was also beauty in the rhythm and joy that came from living in the takeaway and being surrounded by the food of her home culture. Family dinners before service,research trips to Hong Kong,preparing for the weekend rush with her brothers - there is a treasure trove of activities that happen before a customer places an order.
A blending of her Welsh and Chinese heritage,the takeaway was a place that embodied the dual identities that Angela herself was experiencing.
Full of entertaining and surprising stories,Takeaway is a brilliantly warm and eye-opening memoir - at times hilarious,and at others shocking - revealing what really goes on behind one of Britain's most-loved institutions.
Publisher: Orion Publishing CoISBN: 9781398705562Number of pages: 352Weight: 260 gDimensions: 196 x 128 x 24 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'A beautiful book: compellingly written,tender and thoughtful. It shines a light onto a part of our food culture that's beloved and yet often undervalued...I loved it'- Ruby Tandoh,bestselling author of Eat Up! and Cook as You Are
'I read Takeaway in one sitting. Angela's writing is so relatable. Chinese takeaways can't taste the same again when you know how much love,sacrifice and soul families have put into each dish'- Elaine Chong,journalist and presenter
'This is the type of book that I would buy for friends on repeat,safe in the knowledge that they too would love it'- Ravneet Gill,author of The Pastry Chef's Guide
'Takeaway is a wonder: a warm,incandescent memoir about identity,food,family,relationships. It's so affecting I read it with a lump in my throat'- Annie Lord,author of Notes on Heartbreak
'A rare,precious insight into the lives of those behind the takeaways that were so integral to local communities around the UK yet often remained on the periphery...a brilliant book that offers a unique perspective on something familiar to so many'- Melissa Thompson,award-winning food writer and columnist for BBC Good Food
'This book deeply touched my heart as well as my taste buds! A visceral memoir like no other! So grateful for its existence!'- Naomi Shimada,author of Mixed Feelings
'An un-put-down-able account of coming of age - and coming of identity. Hui's narration is quirky,funny and often poignant.'- Jenny Lau,founder of Celestial Peach
'I loved it and found it very moving,both as a memoir,a thriller,and the villain origin story of Britain's most exciting young food writer'- Jonathan Nunn,Editor of Vittles
'Takeaway feels like coming home. It is a testament to the resilience of Chinese families and a tender reminder to cherish the many ways love is shown.'- Tori West,author of It's Not Just You
An Evening with Angela Hui,author of Takeaway
AbergavennyThursday 9th November 19:00
Join us at our Abergavenny branch at 7pm on the 9th November,for an evening talk with author of Takeaway,Angela Hui.Tickets are available both in store and online at no cost. Please do speak to a bookseller in our Abergavenny branch for more info!
View
Kommentar