Factory Girls
420
Book • Nonfiction
China • 2000s
2008
Adult
18+ years
In Factory Girls, Leslie T. Chang explores the lives of female migrant workers who sustain China's manufacturing boom, detailing the journey of young women who leave rural towns to seek opportunities in cities like Dongguan, illustrating their resilience and the harsh realities of factory life. The narrative intertwines stories of Chang’s family history with her observations of factory conditions and workers' ambitions. Topics include economic hardship, discrimination, and challenging work environments.
Informative
Contemplative
Emotional
Nostalgic
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Leslie T. Chang's Factory Girls is lauded for its insightful portrayal of the lives of female migrant workers in China. Reviewers praise its engaging narrative and depth of research, though some critique its occasional lack of broader economic context. Overall, the book is valued for its humanizing approach and compelling personal stories.
Fans of social history and contemporary Chinese culture will appreciate Factory Girls by Leslie T. Chang. Readers of Wild Swans by Jung Chang or The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman will find this compelling study of young women navigating life in China's industrial cities equally engaging.
9,843 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
In Factory Girls, author Leslie T. Chang shares insights from spending several years living among and getting to know the young women working in Chinese factories, providing a rare inside perspective on their lives.
The book intertwines personal stories with historical and social contexts, exploring the impact of migration on identity and personal transformation.
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Leslie T. Chang's exploration in Factory Girls emerged from her own experiences as a journalist in China, offering a deeply personal connection to the narratives she presents.
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420
Book • Nonfiction
China • 2000s
2008
Adult
18+ years
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