Takeaway

Takeaway: Stories from a childhood behind the counter

Hardback Published on: 21/07/2022
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Bookseller Reviews

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Takeaway
A Thought Provoking Read
I thought this book was great! It's a heartfelt, thought provoking autobiography. It's funny, it's sad and it's very relatable. It also comes with 10 or... READ MORE
Edward Riley
Takeaway
A compelling love story to food & culture - I adored it!
What an emotional, captivating and beautiful book. I love reading books like these, about unique experiences which allow us to see what it’s like to be som... READ MORE
Lucy Vandenberg
Takeaway
The whole thing feels like warm yellow lights and the smell of cooking food
I absolutely adored this book. Angela recounts her life in a way that really makes you feel like you come to know her and her family. She discusses her str... READ MORE
Myah Rose
Takeaway
Heartbreaking
A great biography, wonderfully told, heartbreaking in places- There were many times I wished I could reach into the book and hug Angela. I tuink it's such ... READ MORE
CVP
Takeaway
A warm family meal
I really enjoyed reading this memoir and I would recommend it to anyone interested in hospitality, immigration and social acceptance in the U.K. It felt ... READ MORE
Sara

Synopsis

An eye-opening memoir revealing the stories behind living in and running a Chinese takeaway. Growing up in a Chinese takeaway in rural Wales, Angela Hui was exposed from a very young age the struggle of being East Asian in Britain. From attacks on the shopfront (in other words, their home), to verbal abuse from customers, and confrontations that ended with her dad wielding the meat cleaver; life growing up in a takeaway was far from peaceful. But alongside the strife, there was also beauty in the rhythm and joy that came from living in the takeaway and being surrounded by the food of her home culture. Family dinners before service, research trips to Hong Kong, preparing for the weekend rush with her brothers - there is a treasure trove of activities that happen before a customer places an order. A blending of her Welsh and Chinese heritage, the takeaway was a place that embodied the dual identities that Angela herself was experiencing. Full of entertaining and surprising stories, Takeaway is a brilliantly warm and eye-opening memoir - at times hilarious, and at others shocking - revealing what really goes on behind one of Britain's most-loved institutions.

  • Publisher: Orion Publishing Co
  • ISBN: 9781398705548
  • Number of pages: 352
  • Weight: 460g
  • Dimensions: 218 x 140 x 34 mm

Customer Reviews

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Takeaway
Love this book!
Insightful, touching, and very funny. A must-read not only for anyone wanting to explore the themes of identity and racism, and the struggles that many imm... READ MORE
Angie Cord
Takeaway
Fantastic
A beautifully written and necessary story.
Maria Orlando
Takeaway
Loved it!
A tender and heart-warming memoir about growing up behind the counter of a Chinese takeaway in Wales, feeling torn between two seemingly opposing worlds. I... READ MORE
Victoria Cheung
Takeaway
A great read!
I'm Half chinese. I grew up in take aways and restaurants. I know this narrative. There's love. There's pain. There's brutal honesty. There's a view from ... READ MORE
david lee
Takeaway
A storyteller
This book has not only managed to open the eyes and ears of so many to the unsung stories of the Chinese but it has also done so in a way that resonates wi... READ MORE
Jessica Wang
Takeaway
Heartwarming, heartbreaking - a must read food memoir
There are few books that explore the West Asian experience in Britain. There are even fewer that do so with such incredible nuance, humour, and character. ... READ MORE
Josh Ong
Takeaway
An ode to the Take Away kid.
I adored this this book. I’ve never read a book that is so accurate to my childhood. Angela’s book offers a glimpse into what it’s like to be a Take Away K... READ MORE
winnien
Takeaway
Emotional and endearing
Angela's descriptions of growing up in a takeaway was relatable and comforting for me as somebody who also grew up working in a Chinese takeaway. It will b... READ MORE
Cheryl Li
Takeaway
just brilliant
it's a pleasure to finally be able to read something that strikes a chord with my own idea of home and life. from working questionable hours, to even littl... READ MORE
Benny Guo
Takeaway
A beautiful account of a childhood between 2 cultures
I loved this story about the author's childhood, growing up between 2 different cultures. I was moved by the description of her relationship with her pare... READ MORE
Jenny  Laffoley-lane
Takeaway
A book that has the power to connect millions & spark meaningful conversations
This is a book that you wouldn't think to pick up and read but you need to! It is personal, honest, and raw, I really didn't expect myself to get teary but... READ MORE
Chloe Wong
Takeaway
I will be asking…no…demanding everyone I know to read this!
This book is written with such heart, humour and empathy from all angles and more honesty than I could muster. Anyone who has ordered a Chinese takeaway -... READ MORE
a cheung
Takeaway
Chippy Kids Unite!!
Beautifully written and deeply personal. It resonates so much with a whole generation of adults and for me personally. It was a joy to read in two sitti... READ MORE
Kathy Williams
Takeaway
Insightful auto biography
Really enjoyed this book . Maybe the recipes were unnecessary, but it was generally an insightful look at life behind the counter of a Chinese takeaway . ... READ MORE
Elizabeth Jones