A Good Fall: Stories

In his first book of stories since <i>The Bridegroom </i>was published in 2000 (&quot;Finely wrought . . . Every story here is cut like a stone.&quot; - <i>Chicago Sun-Times</i>) , National Book Award-winning Ha Jin gives us a collection that delves into the experience of Chinese immigrants in America. <br> <br>With the same profound attention to detail that is a hallmark of his previous acclaimed works of fiction, Ha Jin depicts here the full spectrum of immigrant life and the daily struggles - some minute, some grand - faced by these intriguing individuals. <br> <br>A lonely composer takes comfort in the antics of his girlfriend's parakeet; young children decide to change their names so that they might sound more &quot;American,&quot; unaware of how deeply this will hurt their grandparents; a Chinese professor of English attempts to defect with the help of a reluctant former student. All of Ha Jin's characters struggle in situations that stir within them a desire to remain attached to be loyal to their homeland and its traditions as they explore and avail themselves of the freedom that life in a new country offers. <br> <br>In these stark, deeply moving, acutely insightful, and often strikingly humorous stories, we are reminded once again of the storytelling prowess of this superb writer.