"Paper Names" by Susie Luoy is a thought-provoking read with a unique premise. Luoy's narrative style is concise yet evocative, drawing readers into a world where names hold extraordinary power. While the concept is intriguing, the execution felt somewhat rushed, leaving certain plot points underdeveloped. Additionally, character depth could be enhanced to strengthen reader engagement. Despite these shortcomings, Luoy demonstrates promise as a storyteller. Overall, "Paper Names" offers a brief but intriguing glimpse into a fascinating concept, making it worth a read for those seeking a quick literary adventure.

This is an interesting novel about the Asian immigrant experiences of a family who have moved to America to make a better life for themselves and their daughter. It examines identity and what starting afresh really means - what we leave behind for new things and what old baggage we carry with us, unable to fully shed. The plot became a little contrived towards the end and hung more around the motif than feasibility. Also there were some quite big jumps in time which meant that I could never quite connect with Tammy. But overall I enjoyed the examination of the themes and the novel compelled me right through to the end.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

I’m sure there’s a good tale in there somewhere but the scrambled time lines made the reading process harder work than the interest it was generating.

Told from three different perspectives, Paper Names is an immigrant story about chasing the American Dream. After being a highly successful engineer in China, Tony starts from scratch by becoming a doorman in New York City. His daughter Tammy is first seen as an eleven year old and later becomes a successful lawyer. Tammy completely seems to distance herself from her Chinese heritage. The third perspective is that of Oliver's - a young lawyer from a privileged background.

As absorbing as the story was, it did get confusing with all the time jumps. The time jumps seemed more like short stories and there seemed to be no particular theme across the board.

I'm still not sure what to think of Oliver's character. Maybe if there had been a much, much smaller age gap, his feelings for Tammy may have been plausible; but in this instance, his feelings were just creepy.

The twist and ending were very rushed, over-the-top dramatic and quite unrealistic. However, despite its flaws, I did find Paper Names to be quite an intriguing read.

This was a really assured and engaging debut about the lives of three people brought together have an unexpected violent act.

I thought this book started strongly, waned a little and then really settled into its stride. I liked the different perspectives and timelines and it gave me a insight into the experience of immigrants although I think had there been less drama thrown in, the book would have been stronger. There elements that made me a little uncomfortable , I do not want to post spoilers but it this element which makes me deduct a star for my rating. Overall though an engaging, informative and quite tender read in places and a strong debut from Susie Luo, I will keep an eye out for her next book and look forward to reading.

I was really looking forward to this one from the synopsis and it started well, sadly due to the execution of the timelines I found it very confusing.

When an unexpected act of violence brings together a Chinese-American family and a wealthy, white cis male lawyer, so begins a story that depicts three individuals chasing the fabled American Dream. There’s Tony, a Chinese engineer turned immigrant Manhattan doorman and family man. We meet Tammy, his daughter, and follow her story from nine-year-old girl all the way through adulthood as a first-generation Chinese-American immigrant. Then, there’s Oliver, a wealthy white lawyer that lives in the building where Tony works.

Set in New York and China across three decades, Susie Luo explores family, identity and the grapples of relationships in Paper Names. I really enjoyed the exploration into the East Asian diaspora – it’s a theme I often seek out in novels. Tammy’s character touches on how it feels to try and live up to the expectations of immigrant parents that’ve emigrated in the hope of a better future for their children. But the portrayal of her father builds out the story, giving weight to a perspective we rarely read about, and diving into how it feels to start afresh, leaving behind everything one knows.

For me, though, this is where the good points end. Thanks to the author’s quirky choice of timeline, I found it really hard to understand where I was in the narrative. We jump back and forth between years, at random, making it hard to form a linear picture in my mind’s eye. I racked my brains to consider what this timeline added to the story, but I couldn’t really work out its purpose? There’s also a problematic element (semi-spoiler?) here in that a much-older character develops or has feelings for somebody that was nine when they met. Big age differences can be forgiven – she’s 18 when they enter a relationship of any kind – but having it doubly confirmed that ‘feelings’ had developed aged nine was a big ol’ red flag for me. It really took away from the moving, more powerful moments achieved in the former half of the book.

I also found Tony and Oliver each unbearable and unlikeable at different parts in the story. Of course, unlikeable characters are sometimes required, but it made it difficult for me to connect any deeper to the plot, especially given the glaring pitfalls I spoke about above. All in all, a commendable debut, but there are plenty of more well-rounded, less weird relationship-filled stories about East Asian immigrants out there.

🇨🇳🇺🇸 REVIEW 🇺🇸🇨🇳

Paper Names by Susie Luo
Publishing Date - 21st March 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

📝 - Tammy is growing up in New York, outside NYC, as the child of Chinese immigrants. While she was born in China, she has never been back and has very little memory of her family’s life there. Growing up American her and her father find themselves clashing as they each struggle with their new identity, and understanding each other. The family go through a series of struggles that bring others into their lives, for better or for worse.

💭 - I started off really enjoying this one. I was excited for the development of the relationship between father and daughter as they try to understand each other in their new life. However, after the halfway point, I found the story changed in its focus and not for the better. I thought the plot line became something different and Luo was adding different plot points where they weren’t completely necessary. I also found the relationship that developed between Tammy and Oliver extremely strange and, again, not completely necessary to the story.
While the story had good promise, the execution of the latter half let it down for me unfortunately. Still some good writing and themes, just a slight lack of clarity.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book ahead of its release.

Paper Names is a really moving and beautiful story, I was captivated by it. I thought it was well-written and well paced. It didn't quite feel like a 5 star read to me, I can't put my finger on it but there was just something missing. That being said, I still really enjoyed this read.

Just one I couldn’t get into I’m afraid. I found it a hard read so finished at 20%. I hope the author well upon publication but I’m afraid this one was not for me.

I found this book a hard read and as such I didn't finish it. Thank you for the ARC all the same but this was not for me. I wish the author well when it's published

Compelling story of a immigrant family that left China for better opportunities for their daughter. Both parents were professionals in China, but like so many, forced into low paying jobs to make ends meet. The father works hard, accepts lower pay than he's worth, but eventually is able to provide the middle-class life that he wants for his family. Tammy, the daughter, is taken under the wing of Oliver. a wealthy white lawyer with family secrets. We meet Tammy as a young girl and follow the family story through to her adulthood. Their lives intertwine in unexpected ways. A satisfying read.

Paper Names - Susie Luo

Where are you from? No, I mean where are you really from?

Paper names explores the life of a Chinese family who immigrated to New York in search of a better life. Its beautifully written and explores the immigration experience from the point of view of Tony, his wife Kim and their daughter Tammy who is born in America. Tony’s life is one of perpetual struggle from trying to leave his village in China to working his way up from a doorman in Manhattan to an engineer in a reputed company. As an immigrant without a strong grasp of the language he’s always trying to not stick out, not be an inconvenience and not complain about being paid unfairly. He does want a very different world for his daughter but is unable to convey that in a meaningful way and ends up constantly pushing her towards excellence. Tammy grows into an intelligent, successful and opinionated individual and feels confined by her dad’s parenting. She realises that the land of equal opportunity was never that for immigrants. “They had to work twice as hard and settle for half as much”. She meets Oliver, a successful white lawyer whose building Tony worked at as a doorman and their lives intertwine inextricably. Oliver’s family does have a dark history and an accident makes his moral choices come to light.

This book makes us think about whether we ever really belong to a place or whether we are a sum of the parts, making the question “Where are you from”, always a tricky one to answer.

Thank you to Netgalley and Oldcastle Books for an advanced copy. This is quite an accomplished debut and looking forward to more for the author.

Susie Luo's novel "Paper Names" is a touching and impactful story that delves into themes of family, identity, and the American experience. The narrative takes place over three decades between New York and China and centres around three characters from diverse backgrounds brought together by an unforeseen act of violence.
We are introduced to Tony, a Chinese-born engineer turned Manhattan doorman who moved to the United States to give his family a better life. Tony's journey sheds light on immigrants' difficulties and cultural differences, such as language barriers and adjusting to American society. His story is a testament to the sacrifices to pursue a brighter future, reflecting the immigrant experience.
We first met Tammy, Tony's daughter, when she was young and followed her through adulthood. As a first-generation American, Tammy struggles to reconcile her desires with the cultural traditions and values she was raised with while also dealing with the expectations placed upon her by her family. Luo skillfully portrays Tammy's journey of self-discovery and the complexities of navigating her dual identity in a society that often tries to define her.
Ultimately, we are introduced to Oliver, a wealthy white lawyer hiding a dark family secret. Following a sudden attack, Tony, Tammy, and Oliver's lives become intertwined, and the novel delves into how their paths cross and how their choices and actions have a ripple effect that echoes through their lives.
Luo's writing is both concise and expansive, captivating readers from the outset and completely engrossing them in the characters' lives. Using alternating perspectives and timelines adds layers and intricacies to the story, enabling us to comprehend each character's struggles and relationships fully. With sensitivity and authenticity, the author delves into cultural differences, the challenges of being an immigrant, and the complexities of family dynamics.
Susie Luo's debut novel, "Paper Names", is a profoundly moving and thought-provoking read. It explores the enduring effects of our parents' choices, the consequences of our decisions, and the power of love to transcend differences. The book seamlessly weaves together multiple storylines in a compelling and heartfelt way, making it a remarkable achievement. If you're looking for an emotional and captivating read that delves into the complexities of family and identity in the American context, I highly recommend "Paper Names".

Not my usual genre at all, but I’m glad I read this book. A story woven on the life threads of three people, brought together by family, life choices and chance, threads that tighten until they break. Thank you to Oldcastle Books and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

Beautifully written, I encourage everyone to read this book. It is a gem.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a review.

This book was a quick and engaging read from the start. I appreciated the perspective shifts between Tony, Tammy, and Oliver. However, I struggled to connect with any of the characters as they lacked depth. Despite being marketed as a generational story, the book's brevity didn't allow for a fully immersive experience. The abrupt time jumps were disorienting, as the characters seemed static despite the passing years, remaining predominantly self-centered. The ending felt hurried, leaving each character's arc unresolved. Oliver's tragic collision with Tammy, their sudden declaration of love, her decision to turn him in to the authorities, and her subsequent move forward all felt rushed and left me wanting more closure.

"Paper Names" by Susie Lou shares the life stories of flawed characters. No one is perfect in this story, just like no one is perfect in real life. A person can be both aggressive and caring, both self-centred and unprejudiced, both liar and penitent. The flaws make them relatable, the redeemable characteristics make them likeable.
This book is a portal. It gives insight into what it is like to live in China and also as Chinese immigrants in New York. Yet, it goes beyond that, too. The honesty of the scenes and feelings portrayed is so deep that it transcends countries and nationalities. It is about home: losing it when we leave, and finding (or creating) it again wherever we arrive.
"Paper Names" also speaks of coming to terms with one's past, and about how everyone, in their own way, has to go through that process sooner or later. Only then are we able to find ourselves beyond material desires or toxic relationships.
The writing is easy-to-read and -understand, but sometimes I would have loved to have been able to follow the story in a more linear fashion. This doesn't take away from the story, though, only from the reading experience. Unless non-linear timelines are a no-no for you, I would still recommend that you give "Paper Names" a go!
I received the ebook "Paper Names" by Susie Lou as an ARC, but this is my candid opinion. I am extremely thankful for having had the opportunity to read it and to now review it for you, hoping that more people enjoy this timeless story.

•Chinese Immigrants in America
•First Generation Daughter
•Dual POV ( Alternating POV)
•Different Timelines
•Coming of Age

The book is deep, poignant and touching. There is a Chinese immigrant father and first generation American daughter. The book has alternating POV and it has been narrated in different timelines. Every story has its own touching elements. As soon as we get into the lives of each character, we learn about their struggle and relationship they share with each other. The book is heartbreaking and poignant. I didn’t like the father and daughter relationship and tragic turn of events that changed the course of their destiny forever. The author has not only shared the struggle of a Chinese immigrant but also the struggle every parents face.

Tony is a mechanical engineer and a Chinese immigrant who immigrated to America. There are unsettling cultural differences between Chinese and American cultures. Along with the language that is the biggest issue. While Tammy is a first generation American and a daughter of Tony. They don’t have a well established father daughter relationship though things changes unexpectedly. Kim is a wife of Tony. Oliver is an American lawyer with dark family secrets

•Excerpts

‘We can’t believe in things just to make ourselves feel better.’

‘Immigrants are the heart and soul of this city,’ they quoted her saying.

“Home is always home”


Thank you Netgalley, publisher and Author