Unpolished Gem

Discover the enchanting journey of 'Unpolished Gem', a captivating memoir by Alice Pung that vividly portrays the pursuit of the Australian Dream through the eyes of a Chinese-Cambodian girl. This trade paperback edition, published by Black Inc in 2006, offers 288 pages of humor, heart, and insightful storytelling. Alice navigates the ups and downs of life in Footscray, where her family straddles cultures while embracing their unique experiences. As her mother works tirelessly as an Aussie battler and her father embarks on a franchising venture, the rich tapestry of their lives unfolds through Alice’s sharp wit and poignant observations. This book is a profound exploration of identity, resilience, and the immigrant experience in Australia, making it an essential read for anyone interested in diverse narratives and contemporary Australian literature. Helen Garner praises it as 'sophisticated and fiercely intelligent', while The Age lauds its vivid imagery. Dive into this unforgettable memoir today and witness how everyday struggles and triumphs coalesce into a powerful narrative that resonates with readers everywhere. Enjoy FREE shipping on your order from Smartfox NZ and savor the remarkable tale that is 'Unpolished Gem'.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781863951586
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2006
Publisher: Black Inc
Pages: 288


Description:
This story does not begin on a boat. Nor does it contain any wild swans or falling leaves.
In a wonderland called Footscray, a girl named Alice and her Chinese-Cambodian family pursue the Australian Dream - Asian style. Armed with an ocker accent, Alice dives head-first into schooling, romance and the getting of wisdom. Her mother becomes an Aussie battler - an outworker, that is. Her father embraces the miracle of franchising and opens an electrical-appliance store. And every day her grandmother blesses Father Government for giving old people money.
Unpolished Gem is a book rich in comedy, a loving and irreverent portrait of a family, its everyday struggles and bittersweet triumphs. With it, Australian writing gains an unforgettable new voice.
'This is a sophisticated and fiercely intelligent book.' Helen Garner
'A memoir so vivid that images from it linger behind your eyelids.' The Age
'Unpolished Gem is virtuoso storytelling.' The Australian


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