Kitchen Chinese: A Novel About Food, Family, and Finding Yourself

“Narrator Emily Woo Zeller’s diverse accents set an international stage for this story about finding a sense of belonging. Zeller’s softened tones bring out Isabelle Lee’s loss of self-confidence…Zeller conjures the cultural melting pot of China and fluidly delivers the voices and accents of Australians, Americans, and Chinese. Her pronunciation is spot-on when speaking Mandarin and Cantonese, and without exaggeration she captures the accents and intonations of Chinese characters who are speaking English. Zeller’s solid performance showcases a touching and thought-provoking story. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.” —AudioFile

“Readers are transported to Beijing and introduced to the culture, social life, and culinary delights by Isabelle, a refreshing, at times bewildered, guide who is experiencing it all for the first time. Ultimately, it’s about the adventures life offers, and this one is certainly a warm and humorous one.” —RT Book Reviews (4½ stars, Top Pick!)

“The vibrant depiction of Beijing, lush descriptions of sumptuous Chinese meals, and Isabelle’s struggle with how others perceive her distinguish Mah’s first novel.” —Booklist

“A refreshing and fun narrative, helped along by a fantastic heroine whose insights into modern China and the expatriate experience will intrigue readers.” —Publishers Weekly

“A delicious debut novel, seasoned with just the right balance of humor and heart, and sprinkled with fascinating cultural tidbits.” —Claire Cook, author of Must Love Dogs

“Suffused with humor, genuine warmth, and mouth-watering culinary descriptions.” —Irina Reyn, author of What Happened to Anna K.