Plot summary, “A Free Life” by Ha Jin in 4 Minutes - Book Review

A Free Life by Ha Jin tells the story of a Chinese immigrant family in America, grappling with the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Nan, the father, leaves his graduate studies at Brandeis University in political science after the event, deciding to sever ties with China in protest. He turns to poetry for solace, but the struggle to achieve success in America proves challenging. As the family moves across the country, Nan confronts cultural barriers, financial hardships, and his own disillusionment with the American Dream. Throughout the novel, Nan’s deep ties to China and his sense of alienation in America create a poignant exploration of identity and belonging.