Not Your China Doll

The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong

By: Katie Gee Salisbury

Narrated by: Caroline McLaughlin, Katie Gee Salisbury

“Enlightening, nuanced, and honest.”—Lisa See

Set against the glittering backdrop of Los Angeles during the gin-soaked Jazz Age and the rise of Hollywood, this debut book celebrates Anna May Wong, the first Asian American movie star, to bring an unsung heroine to light and reclaim her place in cinema history.

One of Entertainment Weekly's "Books We Are Excited to Read in 2024"

Before Constance Wu, Sandra Oh, Awkwafina, or Lucy Liu, there was Anna May Wong. In her time, she was a legendary beauty, witty conversationalist, and fashion icon. Plucked from her family’s laundry business in Los Angeles, Anna May Wong rose to stardom in Douglas Fairbanks’s blockbuster The Thief of Bagdad. Fans and the press clamored to see more of this unlikely actress, but when Hollywood repeatedly cast her in stereotypical roles, she headed abroad in protest.

Anna May starred in acclaimed films in Berlin, Paris, and London. She dazzled royalty and heads of state across several nations, leaving trails of suitors in her wake. She returned to challenge Hollywood at its own game by speaking out about the industry’s blatant racism. She used her new stature to move away from her typecasting as the China doll or dragon lady, and worked to reshape Asian American representation in film.

Filled with stories of capricious directors and admiring costars, glamorous parties and far-flung love affairs, Not Your China Doll showcases the vibrant, radical life of a groundbreaking artist.

©2024 Katie Gee Salisbury (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Here at last is a biography of a groundbreaking and inspiring woman that is well-researched, thoughtful, enlightening, nuanced, and honest. The access Salisbury had to Anna May Wong’s family and friends places this biography above all others.”—Lisa See, New York Times bestselling author of Lady Tan’s Circle of Women

“Anna May Wong was a trailblazer who continues to inspire generations of actors, and she truly comes to life in this irresistible read. Her story navigating stardom in the early days of Hollywood is dazzling, and her resilience opened doors for the many who came after her.”—Simu Liu, actor and New York Times bestselling author of We Were Dreamers

“Not Your China Doll is a remarkable biography, bursting with life on every page. Carefully crafted and meticulously researched, Katie Gee Salisbury’s beautifully woven portrait of Anna May Wong is both illuminating and entirely unforgettable.”—Gilbert King, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Devil in the Grove

Hollywood History + , a DO NOT miss read

Early beginnings of the creation of Hollywood and the trials and tribulations of Anna May Wong, an Asian American trailblazer that set the path for many future minorities to navigate and achieve in the gauntlet that is the movie industry. An interesting and insightful read not to be missed.

Beautiful & worthwhile read

I've been eagerly anticipating a comprehensive biography of Anna May Wong for quite some time, and this book certainly lives up to my expectations! As a longtime fan, I've delved into numerous writings about Anna May Wong, but they often varied in quality and accuracy. Previous biographies tended to rehash the same information without delving deeper. However, this new biography stands out for several reasons.

Here are the aspects of the book that I admire:

1. **Engaging Narrative Style:** Katie's narrative writing style is captivating, backed by thorough research that goes beyond mere summarization.
2. **Contextualization in Film History:** Anna May Wong's story is intricately woven into the fabric of film and Hollywood history, showcasing her relationships, challenges, and achievements.
3. **Empathetic Approach:** The book handles sensitive topics such as tragedies and personal struggles, like Anna May Wong's battle with alcoholism, with care and empathy.
4. **Comprehensive Portrait:** It presents a holistic view of Anna May Wong, debunking myths and offering a nuanced perspective on her contributions to history.
5. **Addressing Criticisms:** While some may find the book detailed or occasionally disjointed, I appreciate that every detail contributes meaningfully to the narrative and that the seemingly disjointed aspects actually add depth to her story.

Additionally, there are specific areas I'd love to see explored further, such as her friendships (i.e. Anthony Quinn), key life events on a timeline, family tree & history and her funeral among other things.

The voice of the Audible narrator was both enjoyable and engaging. I may be mistaken, but there may be mispronunciations of some names and words - particularly in Cantonese vs Mandarin. Again, I need to give it a re-listen.

In summary, I give this book a perfect 5/5 rating and intend to revisit it multiple times. It's a must-read for anyone interested in Anna May Wong's life and legacy! 💖

Might not like biographies

Fascinating learning about Anna May Wong! I guess I like more entertaining than just the facts. Must be me

Anna May deserves better than this

Boring. Tedious. Anna May was far more interesting than this dull read. She deserves so much better.