THE HOUSE THAT TAI MING BUILT

This attractive novel about a Chinese family in San Francisco is stylistically prim, yet so detailed and real as to seem almost autobiographical. Kiang and Lin are born into a family life of enormous charm and coherence. But while they earn proverbs, behavior and art, they also go to the University. Kiang joins the U.S. Army and is killed fighting the Japanese. Lin's love affair and proposed marriage with an American boy (bitterly opposed by both families) ends when he too is killed. Yet the warmth and authenticity of Chinese family life is presented with a sympathy and intelligence that should appeal to many readers.