First published 1996
Young Fu arrives in the bustling river port of Chungking with his mother, leaving behind their village life for the promise of opportunity in the city. His mother arranges for him to apprentice with Tang, a skilled coppersmith in the crowded marketplace. Fu must prove himself worthy among the other apprentices while learning the ancient craft of metalworking. The boy faces the daily challenges of city life in 1920s China, from navigating the steep streets and crowded markets to understanding the complex social relationships in his new world. Bandits threaten the region, political upheaval creates uncertainty, and Fu struggles to balance his loyalty to traditional ways with the changes sweeping through China. Through his work at the forge and his growing friendships, Fu discovers his own strength and place in a rapidly changing world. The story follows his journey from uncertain village boy to confident young craftsman who understands both his heritage and his future.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, adventure, coming-of-age, china, asian-american
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Chungking, Upper Yangtze, Village
Period: 1920s
Paperback · Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group