Book details
The Bone Collector's Son
Description
Fourteen-year old Bing-wing Chan resents his father, not only because the man gambles away all the family's money, but also because he forces Bing to help him in his gruesome job. Ba is the bone collector, the one who digs up skeletons of deceased Chinese so that they can be sent home to China for permanent burial. Sinister things start happening soon after Bing acompanies his father to the graveyard.
Age
9-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
175 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Insight: 'The Bone Collector's Son' by Paul Yee provides readers with a rich portrayal of Chinese-Canadian history and the experiences of Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century, offering valuable cultural insights and understanding.
- Engaging Mystery: The novel presents an intriguing mystery that captivates readers, as the protagonist, Bing, tries to uncover the truth behind his father's involvement with the bone-collecting business and the supernatural elements that surround it.
- Historical Significance: Through its narrative, the book sheds light on the lesser-known practice of exhuming and repatriating Chinese bones, a significant aspect of Chinese-Canadian history that reflects the era's attitudes towards death, honor, and the afterlife.
- Character Development: Paul Yee skillfully crafts complex characters and relationships, particularly the dynamic between Bing and his father, which evolves throughout the story, providing readers with a deep and emotionally resonant experience as they follow Bing's journey of self-discovery and familial understanding.