A Superior Man

In A Superior Man, Paul Yee embarks on a poignant exploration of Chinese Canadian heritage through the eyes of Yang Hok, a former coolie navigating life after the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Set against the backdrop of the late 19th century, the novel follows Hok's treacherous journey to reunite his son with his mother, revealing the tensions between Chinese and Native peoples amid societal disdain. Accompanied by Sam Bing Lew, a fellow traveler of mixed heritage, Hok grapples with dreams of fortune in America and the complexities of identity, all while facing the harsh realities of their world. Yee’s first novel for adults offers a striking portrayal of this tumultuous era, blending historical authenticity with raw, emotional storytelling.