Flower Drum Song

The Flower Drum Song, a groundbreaking work of popular literature, was originally published in 1957. An immediate bestseller, it inspired the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. This charming, bittersweet tale of romance and the powerful bonds of family tells the story of Wang Ta, who wants what every young American man wants: a great career and a woman to love.

Living in San Francisco's Chinatown, Wang Ta finds himself caught between the old ways of his widowed father, Old Master Wang, who misses the life in China, and his younger brother, who just wants to be a normal American teenager. As Wang Ta searches for love and the American dream, he becomes involved with a series of women.

Poignant, comic, and sexy, The Flower Drum Song is an astute portrayal of immigrants struggling with assimilation. This edition features a new introduction by David Henry Hwang, providing valuable insights into the work's significance and enduring impact.

The novel's exploration of the tensions between tradition and modernity, as well as the complexities of navigating cultural identity, resonates with readers across generations. Through the lens of Wang Ta's personal journey, the narrative delves into the universal human experiences of love, family, and the pursuit of happiness in a new land.

The Flower Drum Song's enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the nuances of the immigrant experience while delivering a compelling and emotionally resonant story. Its timeless themes and richly drawn characters have made it a beloved classic, inspiring subsequent adaptations and fostering a deeper understanding of the Asian American experience.

This new edition, with Hwang's insightful introduction, offers readers the opportunity to revisit this seminal work and appreciate its continued relevance in a world that is ever-evolving. The Flower Drum Song remains a testament to the power of storytelling to bridge cultural divides and illuminate the shared humanity that transcends boundaries.

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