In Transplants, the author presents a deeply emotional and thought-provoking narrative that explores the complexities of identity, belonging, and the search for self in an increasingly divided world. Set against the backdrop of a rural university campus in Qixian and the contrasting landscapes of Ohio, the novel follows two women—Lin, a solitary Chinese student, and Liz, a grieving Chinese American teacher—as they forge an unlikely friendship in the face of personal and cultural challenges.

Lin and Liz are both outsiders in their own ways. Lin is a quiet student who finds herself more at ease with her pets than with her classmates, who mock her for her relationship with a white foreigner. Liz, meanwhile, is struggling with the recent loss of her mother, all while navigating the complexities of being a Chinese American teacher in a space where she faces exploitation by her peers. Their bond, though improbable, becomes a source of survival and strength in a world that seems indifferent to their struggles.

The novel takes an unexpected turn after a betrayal leads to Lin’s expulsion, and the two women swap lives—Lin heading to a community college in Ohio and Liz searching for answers about her parents’ mysterious departure from China. This shift in their paths forces both characters to confront their pasts and grapple with the uncertainties of their futures, set against the backdrop of a global crisis that further strains the relationship between China and the United States.

Alternating between Lin and Liz’s perspectives, Transplants is a masterful exploration of migration, race, and the limits of belonging. The novel poignantly examines how identity can be fragmented and how the pursuit of kinship can sometimes lead to surprising connections. The writing is lyrical and evocative, capturing the emotional depth of the characters’ journeys, both external and internal. As Lin and Liz navigate their respective struggles, the narrative beautifully delves into themes of power, love, and freedom, illustrating how differences that initially seem insurmountable can, in the end, create a deeper bond between individuals.

Ultimately, Transplants is a moving meditation on the complexities of cultural displacement and the search for one’s place in a world that often feels hostile to difference. It’s a story that reminds us of the transformative power of empathy and the unexpected connections that can help us better understand ourselves and each other. A must-read for those interested in stories of migration, identity, and the profound human experience.