Title: Hello Kitty Must Die
Author: Angela S. Choi
First published April 1, 2010
320 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781935562023 (ISBN10: 1935562029)
Rating: 3.36
Overview
Meet Fiona Yu, a seemingly innocent and polite Asian American woman who struggles to balance her family’s traditional Chinese values with the social norms of being an American girl. Tired of carrying the weight of her family’s honor, Fiona decides to take matters into her own hands and takes her own virginity.
But this decision leads her down a dangerous path and into the arms of Sean Killroy, a long-lost friend who introduces her to a world of excitement and cruelty. Fiona’s newfound freedom is short-lived when her father tricks her into an engagement with Don Koo, the spoiled son of a wealthy chef.
Determined to break free from her parents’ plans, Fiona embarks on a journey of self-discovery that forces her to confront the Hello Kitty stereotype head-on. With biting wit and a no-holds-barred approach, Fiona creates her own version of the American Dream, eliminating anyone who stands in her way.
Follow Fiona’s journey in Angela S. Choi’s Hello Kitty Must Die – a dark and daring tale of self-discovery and rebellion.
Editoral Review
Hello Kitty Must Die by Angela S. Choi is a striking debut novel published on April 1, 2010.
The book falls under the dark comedy genre and serves as a commentary on the gender, culture, and identity politics that pervade contemporary American society.
Set in Southern California, the story follows the life of twenty-something Fiona Yu, a law school graduate struggling to find her place in the world.
Despite achieving academic success, Fiona feels alienated from her conservative Chinese immigrant parents, who insist on adhering to their traditional values, much to her dismay. As Fiona struggles with her identity crisis and unfulfilling job at a Sanrio-themed amusement park, she becomes entangled in a dark and hilarious plot that involves Hello Kitty, murder, and revenge.
Chois writing is refreshingly raw, daring, and razor-sharp, making for an intense read. The novel switches its tone between sardonic humor and a deeply felt sadness, amplifying the issues that are typically kept under the carpet.
The plot is well-paced and the characters are vividly drawn, with Fiona being an excellent protagonist. The author’s witty yet insightful take on Fiona’s character development is particularly notable as it depicts her growth and rebellion as an adult in her own right, while dealing with the immense pressures of conforming to her parents’ expectations.
Despite the narrative’s dark comedy, Chois vivid descriptions of sexual violence and suicide are not for the faint-hearted, and some readers may find these sections disturbing. Another minor drawback is that some of the minor characters could be better fleshed out, making the story seem somewhat abridged at times.
The novel is a relevant commentary on myriad social issues like racism, gender identity, and cultural assimilation that still persist today, making this book a valuable addition to the reading list of anyone who cares about these topics. Chois engrossing storytelling manages to resonate with readers, making Hello Kitty Must Die a compelling read that will linger long after the last page has been read.
It can be compared to the works of Mary H.K. Choi and Celeste Ng, who also touch upon the themes of immigration and cultural identity in their novels.
Overall, Angela S.
Choi’s Hello Kitty Must Die is an unforgettable and thought-provoking debut that deserves to be read, enjoyed, and reflected upon. Packed with humor, wit, and poignant social commentary, it is the perfect amalgamation of mainstream commercial fiction and edgy indie writing.
This novel is a must-read for anyone ready to dive deep into the abyss of identity politics and emerge with a fuller understanding of our contemporary Western society. Hence, this book gets a rating of 4 out of 5, with its minor drawbacks and stark yet necessary themes being the reason for half a star deduction.
