Oriental Girls Desire Romance

Set against the vibrant and gritty backdrop of 1980s New York City, Catherine Liu's debut novel follows a young Chinese-American woman on the fringes of privilege, navigating the city's diverse and often marginalized scenes. As she moves through roles as a slacker, temp, and exotic dancer, her perspective offers a perceptive and candid glimpse into the city's complex social landscape. The narrative blends humor and rawness, capturing the city's seedy atmosphere and cultural undercurrents.