DAUGHTER OF THE DRAGON

An attentive biography of an underrated Hollywood icon.

Following his first two books on significant Chinese American figures, Charlie Chan and Inseparable, Huang turns his attention to Anna May Wong (1905-1961). The author capably tracks Wong’s life and career, creating a tender, fair portrait of an important performer. Huang elegantly depicts the Wong family and their laundry business, diving into the historical significance of Chinese laundries, and he presents a concise yet rich history of Asian American culture and politics at the turn of the century—specifically, how Asian Americans were treated in America and how it affected the community and Wong’s career. At the time, the “exoticism” of China and the East had White Hollywood enraptured, and many producers and directors used Chinatown in Los Angeles as a primary set to shoot films. Wong used this to her advantage, sneaking on to sets and watching film crews as a young girl. Huang illustrates details about Wong with passion and fervor, clearly delineating her struggles and achievements. When Wong succeeds, readers will rejoice, and when her circumstances limit her, readers will feel her sorrow. Though Wong was a controversial figure for her contribution to the negative “Dragon Lady” stereotype for Asian women via her titular role in Daughter of the Dragon, Huang paints his subject in a compassionate light. During this time period, Hollywood was rife with anti-Asian racism, which had a profound effect on the young actor trying to fulfill her dreams. Huang neither forgives nor condemns her actions. Rather, he offers an in-depth exploration of her character, bringing forth her inner thoughts and feelings, many of which were expressed in her diaries and interviews. Wong had an incredible yet short life, and the author documents it in an evenhanded, bittersweet manner.

An intimate Hollywood profile perfect for students of film and pop culture.