Oh my goodness. You have never read anything like this.

Jade Chang’s glittering, fresh debut, THE WANGS VS. THE WORLD, does so much incredible work at once, while weaving through a propellant, brilliant plot.

Charles Wang came to America with nearly nothing, leaving behind a hefty family inheritance in order to try his hand at American business. He succeeds, gloriously --- for a while. He bears indifferent witness to capitalism and its effect on women’s self-esteem, and tweaks his ancestral formula for fertilizer to create a high-end line of oils, powders and other beautifying unctions. For decades, his cosmetics empire builds and builds upon American-bred insecurity, financing an extravagant lifestyle and trust funds for each of his three children that would more than satisfy the average citizen for life.

"THE WANGS VS. THE WORLD is a must-read for every American citizen --- and a breath of fresh air for many Asian-American citizens and immigrants who can find our story told only rarely, and even then not often as unapologetic and tender as this."

The 2008 crash catalyzes the downfall of his empire in a prescient way I won’t spoil. He has lost everything. He earned the American Dream, and then America woke the hell up. Now, all he can focus on is taking his second wife on a cross-country trip in a beat-up old car “borrowed” from the former family caretaker, pulling his kids out of the schools he can no longer afford, and returning to China to reclaim his land. We meet Barbra, the second wife, who took on a breathless opportunity and now must live with it; Grace, the 16-year-old fashion blogger; Andrew, the college wanna-be comedian with a surprisingly vulnerable outlook on love; and Saina, the former art world it-girl who bought herself a massive upstate house and is now struggling to navigate her alluring ex and her sweet new boyfriend. The novel alternates smoothly between their perspectives and Charles’.

Character is one of the book's strongest suits, and it isn’t lacking in strength. I’ve never quite read a novel that treats each of its characters so fondly. They could be outright annoying, but Chang delves into their humanity. Each has their own distinct voice and perspective. Overall, the family dynamic is hilarious, natural and refreshingly sweet. The experiences the Wangs endure are painful, and their intimacy with each other forms a balance that allows Chang to explore crucial issues from a very human place. Their love for each other is complicated but real, and she portrays it beautifully.

THE WANGS VS. THE WORLD confronts racism. It confronts privilege, white supremacy and anti-Asian racism. I bet you didn’t know that “Wang” can and typically does mean “king.” Chang weaves in Chinese characters and dialect that Western readers typically recognize as foreign. She writes for Chinese-Americans but also makes these concepts accessible.

This is such great writing. Chang delves into detail. The plot swells; the writing is illuminative, confident, necessary and hilarious. My parents are immigrants. I know what it is to ache for a homeland from which you feel disconnected. She gets it, more so than I do, and has created something sweeping, immersive and --- no matter where you’re from --- absolutely satisfying.

This is an authentic, contemporary immigrant story. This is the debunking of stereotype and the restoration of agency, alit with humor and much-ached-for in-group nods. This is a tender, intimate family portrait and a sweeping indictment of America’s ingrained racism and unforgiving capitalism. Chang sharply contextualizes the story of the Wangs within our current moment, and the product is nothing short of astounding. The characters will stick with you; the plot resonates and is wholly unique. The naturally flowing insights will open your eyes.

THE WANGS VS. THE WORLD is a must-read for every American citizen --- and a breath of fresh air for many Asian-American citizens and immigrants who can find our story told only rarely, and even then not often as unapologetic and tender as this. It is simply an expertly executed, beautiful and brilliant work. I am grateful for Jade Chang and so excited to hear more of her voice in the near future.