The Third Son

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The Third Son

Author	Julie Wu
Illustrator
Language	English
Publisher	Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
Publication date	2013
Pages
ISBN	978-1-616203-27-6 Search this book on .

The Third Son is a historical novel by Taiwanese-American writer Julie Wu. It was published in 2013 by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.

The novel follows a Taiwanese boy growing up during the final years of Japanese rule in Taiwan and later in the post-war period under the Kuomintang. Part of the story takes place in the United States during the early years of the space race.

Background

Wu stated that her parents' story inspired her work. She drew on conversations with her parents about wartime Taiwan while researching the novel. Upon researching the political history of Taiwan and learning of the "2/28", Wu decided to write a novel that communicated the experience of the Taiwanese under Japanese rule and bridged the silence surrounding this time period. Wu stated that the inspiration for her debut novel evolved first from an initial desire to write the "Great American Novel" to a desire to provide a voice for the Taiwanese and their history. Wu ultimately wanted to write a story that would educate the American public stating that, "...[the novel] evolved partly from [my parents'] story but...I really fictionalized it...so that it would introduce people who wouldn't normally learn about Taiwanese history to Taiwanese history." She also consulted specialists in the United States regarding rocket technology of the period.

Synopsis

The novel follows Saburo, who grows up in Taoyuan during the final years of Japanese colonial rule in Taiwan. As the third son in a traditional family, he receives little attention compared with his elder brothers, particularly Kazuo, who is favoured by their father despite his poor behaviour and lack of academic ability.

During an American air raid in 1943, Saburo protects a Japanese Taiwanese schoolmate named Yoshiko. The experience leaves a strong impression on him, and he later resolves to marry her. After the end of World War II, Taiwan is transferred from Japanese rule to the control of the Republic of China. Saburo witnesses the arrival of Kuomintang troops and the political instability that follows, including the February 28 incident and the beginning of the White Terror.

Although his family expects little from him, Saburo studies independently and performs well academically. He develops an interest in engineering and science while continuing his relationship with Yoshiko despite objections from relatives and competition from Kazuo.

Saburo eventually receives an opportunity to study in the United States, becoming the first boy from his hometown to do so. Much of the later part of the novel takes place in Michigan during the early years of the Cold War and the space race following the launch of Sputnik 1. Saburo works with a professor involved in rocket research while trying to establish a stable life abroad.

The novel also follows Saburo's marriage to Yoshiko and the strain created by long periods of separation after he leaves Taiwan. Their son Kai-ming grows up with limited contact with his father, raising concerns that Saburo may repeat some of the same emotional distance that shaped his own childhood.

Alongside the family story, the novel depicts political surveillance of Taiwanese overseas communities during the martial law era. Saburo encounters pressure from agents linked to the Kuomintang government while maintaining connections with relatives and friends in Taiwan.

Themes

Reviewers noted the novel's focus on family hierarchy and expectations within traditional Taiwanese society. The book also examines generational conflict, migration and political pressure in both Taiwan and the United States.

Reception

The novel received positive reviews from The Boston Globe, O the Oprah Magazine, Kirkus Reviews, The Christian Science Monitor, Shelf Awareness and more.

Writing in the Taipei Times, Bradley Winterton described the novel as "a really excellent novel" and praised its structure, characterisation and historical setting. Winterton wrote that the book's central theme concerns the emotional consequences of traditional family structures, particularly the treatment of younger sons within patriarchal households.

References

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