Member Review

Whose Home?

Abigail Savitch-Lew's debut novel, “Livonia Chow Mein,” is a fusion of detective fiction, cultural history, and family chronicle, set against the backdrop of Brownsville, Brooklyn.

The story centers on a 1978 fatal blaze and the resulting generational conflict: community activist Lina Rodriguez Armstrong suspects her Chinese American landlord, Richard Wong, of arson, while years later, his granddaughter and journalist Sadie Chin investigates the fire, often challenging Lina's account. This novel offers a critical overview of American capitalism, racism, gentrification, immigration, and community responsibility.

Savitch-Lew excels at grounding the story in the social events of the time, making Richard Wong’s poignant immigrant story from rural China a particular strength. While the novel is rich in detail, the sheer amount of information presented occasionally slows the narrative’s momentum.

“Livonia Chow Mein” is recommended for readers who enjoy multi-generational stories, literary suspense, and character-centric novels that deeply explore complex social issues.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.