Pao: A Novel

I was attracted to this novel by its context and setting - Jamaica in the 1940s through to the 60s/70s - as i wanted to know more about it and I wasn't disappointed. It is a rich portrayal of the life of Pao, a Chinese immigrant to Jamaica, and how he makes his way in life, using his street-smarts, pragmatism and his personal 'bible', Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War'. Pao is a pretty likeable, albeit slightly shady but ultimately honourable character, and I enjoyed his 'voice' which was strong throughout. I also found the history and political backdrop of Jamaica (the period of Independence) super interesting and gave the novel a very authentic feel and context. I'd be very happy to read it again one day and to recommend it to others.

Got this for a book club reading. The characters were so real and it was easy to read. Unforgettable story.

Pao by Kerry Young introduces Yang Pao, a 14 year-old who is beginning life anew in Jamaica with his mother and brother. It is 1938 and Pao's father has died fighting in the Chinese Civil War. Their benefactor is the father's best friend Zhang, the godfather of Kingston's Chinatown. Zhang, who never married, has a place in his organization for the family, but it is Pao who seems to have the knack for the small-time rackets and protection services, and fills the void in Zhang's personal life. But, Jamaica at this time is not without strife while still a British Colony, the people are becoming vocal over better working conditions, and self-government, and trying to determine what is their identity as Jamaicans. As the years pass, and the conflict grows, battles between keeping the status quo or moving ahead with changes will not only affect the country but personal lives. Pao will be tested many times over the years to prove where his loyalties lie and as often with compromise all sides lose. Pao is an engaging novel that looks at the timeframe in Jamaican history not often told, from the pre-independence days of the 1930s to the independence in the 1960s to the political and economic unrest in the 1980s. With ease and captivating storytelling, the author takes us into the Jamaican Chinese world informing the reader of the vibrant community through the lives of the characters. Each chapter heading is a snippet from Sun Tzu's The Art of War, and while you would think this would be helpful in Pao's business practices, it is in his personal life that he employs the strategic advice. Pao is torn between his love for Gloria, a black Jamaican, and his need to earn respectability within the Chinese community and to honor Zhang. So Pao marries Fay, the privileged daughter of a wealthy Chinese businessman and his black wife, but she is repelled by his hoodlum life style. Gloria is now insulted that she is not good enough, but it is through her eyes that Pao gets his lessons on race, class and identity. Pao likes to think of himself as a gangster with a heart, and does do many deeds outside of the law because it is the right thing to do. But then heroism is in the eyes of the beholder and many will not see him as a hero. Ms. Young provides some historical background about the political events happening in Jamaica as after all it is the political climate which allows for the tolerance of gangs and their retribution of justice or in many cases injustice. I would have liked a little more detail into the political events and the characters that were important to Pao, but with that said, the structure does not take away from the enjoyment of the story. And in total all of the elements add to the freshness of this storyline. The pacing is brisk in this story driven by murder, corruption, blackmail, greed and incest. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a different view, and those who enjoy learning about Caribbean history. Reviewed by Beverly APOOO Literary Book Review

Wowwww!!!! I finished in less than 24 hours because I simply couldn’t put it down! The history of a period in my beloved country that I knew little about, from the perspective of our Chinese community that I knew even less about. PLUS, now I have so many insightful statements from The Art of War that can still be helpful in my 73-year old life. I can’t say enough good things about this wonderful book. I love Pao and Gloria et al and I HEARTILY recommend it.

Quite interesting.

The setting takes place in the island of Jamaica where I grew up. The author did an amazing job featuring the island and the political as well as cultural experiences in that era. This is definitely a page turner. It was very exciting! I passed the book on to my mother who is very excited to begin based on my critique. Fabulous first time novel!

A wonderful and provocative tale about a side of Jamaica few ever see - far from the glitz normally associated with the tourist trade. As already mentioned, the story unfolds against the background of Jamaica's struggle for independence and its aftermath. Each character comes across as complete and true with all the strengths and weaknesses pertaining thereto. The cultural mix is most intriguing, showing the various facets and often uneasy relationships among the races. A highly recommended read!

Pao is the story of a Jamaican family of Chinese descent. I don't recall having ever read a fictionalized account of the Chinese experience in Jamaica before I read this novel. Quite apart from its "novelty" charm, this is an engaging story told by a skillful writer. I highly recommend it.