The Fire Horse Girl
I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel based in San Francisco in the early 1920s. Often, parts of history seem to be overlooked in grade school and although much is said about immigration through Ellis Island, I had never heard of Angel Island, until I read this novel. Angel Island is refered to as the “Ellis Island of the West” but immigrants were often held here for weeks rather than hours.
The story follows Jade Moon – a Fire Horse, quite possibly the worst sign in the Chinese zodiac for a girl. And it follows her like a curse, making her stubborn, reckless, and headstrong in a place where these characteristics are not looked at as being beneficial for young women. Enter – Sterling Promise, a young man who offers Jade Moon’s father the chance to go to America. When they reach Angel Island, Jade Moon learns of deceit and betrayal that shatter her dreams and make her choose a new path for her future. The adventure that follows is not only interesting, but intriguing, historically based and exciting.
I was impressed by this first-time author’s work – the writing is absolutely beautiful and even with a story that kept me reading, I would often pause because some of the passages and phrases were so beautifully written. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of reading Where the Mountain Meets the Moon or Starry River of the Sky by Grace Lin, you’ll see a familiar storytelling theme in The Fire Horse Girl by Kay Honeyman. Although I’ve never mentioned on my blog, I have a thing for book dedications… it’s like another look into an author’s life. This author’s dedication is one I especially liked, “To the birth parents of my two children, Jack and Lily. I don’t know their stories, only the greatness of their love.” And with that, I’ll let you take the chance on this story – you won’t regret it!
For more information about this new author, check out her website.
Title: The Fire Horse Girl
Author: Kay Honeyman
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Publication Date: 2013
Page Number: 321 pgs.