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Paper Sons: A Memoir of Identity, Belonging, and the Chinese Immigrant Experience in Canada

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Dickson Lam's memoir, Paper Sons, is a deeply personal and moving account of the experiences of Chinese immigrants in Canada. Through his own story, Lam explores the themes of identity, belonging, and the challenges faced by those who come to a new country in search of a better life.

Lam was born in Hong Kong in 1957. His father, a paper son (a person who uses false documents to enter a country),came to Canada in the 1950s. Lam's mother followed him a few years later, and the family settled in Vancouver.

Lam's childhood was marked by poverty and discrimination. His parents worked long hours at low-paying jobs, and the family often struggled to make ends meet. Lam himself faced bullying and racism from his classmates.

Paper Sons: A Memoir

by Dickson Lam

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12409 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	226 pages

Despite these challenges, Lam excelled in school. He went on to study engineering at the University of British Columbia, and later worked as a software engineer. However, Lam never forgot his roots or the experiences of his parents and other Chinese immigrants.

In Paper Sons, Lam weaves together his own story with the stories of other Chinese immigrants. He explores the challenges they faced, the sacrifices they made, and the resilience they showed.

Lam also delves into the history of Chinese immigration to Canada. He discusses the Exclusion Act of 1923, which banned Chinese immigration for over 20 years, and the head tax, which forced Chinese immigrants to pay a $50 fee to enter the country.

Paper Sons is a powerful and moving memoir that sheds light on the experiences of Chinese immigrants in Canada. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in immigration, identity, or the history of Chinese Canadians.

The main themes of Paper Sons are:

Identity: Lam explores the complex issue of identity, particularly for those who come from two different cultures. He writes about the challenges of fitting in, the feeling of being an outsider, and the search for a sense of belonging.
Belonging: Lam examines the different ways that people can feel a sense of belonging. He writes about the importance of family, community, and culture. He also discusses the challenges of racism and discrimination, and the ways that these can make it difficult for immigrants to feel at home.
The Chinese immigrant experience: Lam provides a unique perspective on the Chinese immigrant experience in Canada. He writes about the challenges faced by Chinese immigrants, the sacrifices they made, and the resilience they showed. He also discusses the history of Chinese immigration to Canada, and the ways that it has shaped the country.

Paper Sons has received widespread critical acclaim. It was shortlisted for the Governor General's Literary Award for Non-Fiction, and won the Asian Canadian Writers' Workshop Award.

Critics have praised Lam's writing for its honesty, its insights, and its ability to capture the complexities of the Chinese immigrant experience.

Lam's book is a reminder that the immigrant experience is not always easy, but it is often filled with hope, resilience, and the search for a better life.

Paper Sons: A Memoir

by Dickson Lam

4.3 out of 5