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Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong
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.
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.
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.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published March 12, 2024
About the author
Katie Gee Salisbury
1 book57 followersI'm the author of Not Your China Doll, a new biography of Anna May Wong, the first Asian American movie star. The idea for this book has lived in my head for more than a decade, so I'm overjoyed that it's finally completed and forthcoming from Dutton in March 2024!
My work has appeared in the New York Times, MSNBC, Vanity Fair, The Ringer, the Asian American Writers' Workshop, and elsewhere. I was a finalist for the Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship in 2021 and I gave the TED Talk “As American as Chop Suey.” I also write the newsletter Half-Caste Woman.
A fifth-generation Chinese American who hails from Southern California, I've now lived in NYC for going on 15 years—though most days I'm still California dreamin'. Not Your China Doll is my first book.
My work has appeared in the New York Times, MSNBC, Vanity Fair, The Ringer, the Asian American Writers' Workshop, and elsewhere. I was a finalist for the Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship in 2021 and I gave the TED Talk “As American as Chop Suey.” I also write the newsletter Half-Caste Woman.
A fifth-generation Chinese American who hails from Southern California, I've now lived in NYC for going on 15 years—though most days I'm still California dreamin'. Not Your China Doll is my first book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 10, 2024
Anna May Wong is clearly having her moment with a novelization of her life story (The Brightest Star) and two major biographies (Daughter of the Dragon by Yunte Huang and this title) appearing within one year. I've had the fortune of reading both of the biographies, and they are certainly both worth your time. Not your China Doll is the more novelistic and warmer of the two accounts while Huang's account is a bit colder and academic and is as interested in contextual digressions (e.g. chinese laundries, Madame Chiang Kai-Shek, expat life in China) as it is in Wong's story. Salisbury's account mostly sticks with the protagonist, but has a major (and worthwhile) digression regarding MGM's production of The Good Earth, which is notable for not casting Anna May Wong.
It's pretty clear that the author intends this book as a celebration of the life of an extraordinary woman who for at least her first thirty-five years made the very best use of her talents and allure that a racist system could accommodate. For the most part she is successful, but the what-might-have-beens still creep through to the reader, causing us to wonder how much Wong and the film-going public missed out on. And unfortunately, the chronological nature of biography still causes this story to end on a downbeat as we see Anna May Wong's very sad booze-laden last twenty years or so till her death in 1961, just before she was supposed to be in the movie version of The Flower Drum Song.
If you are intrigued by Anna May Wong, you won't go wrong with this book. But you should probably see some of her movies as well to truly understand her allure (unfortunately her films are rarely as good as she is in them). I recommend Piccadilly, Shanghai Express and Pavement Butterfly.
It's pretty clear that the author intends this book as a celebration of the life of an extraordinary woman who for at least her first thirty-five years made the very best use of her talents and allure that a racist system could accommodate. For the most part she is successful, but the what-might-have-beens still creep through to the reader, causing us to wonder how much Wong and the film-going public missed out on. And unfortunately, the chronological nature of biography still causes this story to end on a downbeat as we see Anna May Wong's very sad booze-laden last twenty years or so till her death in 1961, just before she was supposed to be in the movie version of The Flower Drum Song.
If you are intrigued by Anna May Wong, you won't go wrong with this book. But you should probably see some of her movies as well to truly understand her allure (unfortunately her films are rarely as good as she is in them). I recommend Piccadilly, Shanghai Express and Pavement Butterfly.
October 10, 2023
The narrative of Anna May Wong is uniquely complex, as is often the case with individuals who have since departed our world. The recounting of their lives can vary significantly based on different perspectives. Anna May Wong's life is no different, and numerous biographies have attempted to capture it, each offering its own interpretation. In 'Not Your China Doll,' author Katie Gee Salisbury presents what I consider to be the definitive biography of Hollywood's pioneering Chinese movie star. The remarkable accuracy of this portrayal is attributed to the extensive research and meticulous attention to detail evident throughout the book.
As someone who is relatively new to the Anna May Wong fandom, having been acquainted with her existence only last year. I, (like seemingly all of her fans) were overtaken by her story, and strove to learn as much about her life as possible. 'Not Your China Doll' adeptly chronicles Anna May Wong's journey, starting from her early childhood and her inaugural role in 'The Red Lantern' to her first leading role in 'The Toll of the Sea.' The narrative extends through her experiences in Europe, China, and back to America, culminating in her passing. While fundamentally a compilation of primary and secondary sources on Anna May Wong, the book is so skillfully written that it doesn't feel like a mere aggregation of newspaper articles or journal entries. Instead, it immerses the reader in the unfolding of someone's life as if witnessed firsthand.
The book unflinchingly exposes the harsh realities of the discriminatory treatment faced by minorities during the first half of the 20th century. Racism was an unfortunate and pervasive aspect of daily life during that era, and even Anna May Wong's celebrity status did not inoculate her from its effects. At times I was beside myself reading about how children would encircle Wong and her sister Lulu, berating her as a "Chink" while slanting their eyes in a mocking manner. Or how Anna was invited to a country club by a friend, only to find out that it was strictly a "whites only" establishment, the owner of whom allowed Anna to stay, but forbid her from taking part in any of the club's activities. While these anecdotes were challenging to absorb, they are crucial in providing a contextual backdrop to Anna May Wong's time, fostering a greater appreciation for her resilience in the face of such adversity.
While the book serves as a rich repository of Anna May Wong's stories, some sections were less engaging, particularly when it delved into the lives of other individuals connected to Anna May Wong or events occurring at the time. Particularly some of the people she met in Europe, where entire paragraphs are spent in my opinion giving unnecessary details on their lives. Only for us to never hear about them again later on in the book except for maybe a passing mention.
While it's essential to provide context by exploring the people and circumstances that influenced Wong's life, these segments seemed to linger unnecessarily. For example, in the middle of the book, the author details how Anna May, disappointed after losing the role of O-Lan in 'The Good Earth,' embarks on a year-long vacation to China with her family. While this is a noteworthy aspect, the narrative then extends for the next couple of chapters, delving into the production of 'The Good Earth,' which, despite its significance in Wong's life, seemed unrelated and somewhat slowed down an otherwise cohesive storyline.
In contrast, consider the earlier chapters of the book that delve into the details of Douglas Fairbanks and the production of 'The Thief of Baghdad.' These chapters are crucial, given Anna May Wong's significant role as one of the stars. In comparison, the extensive focus on 'The Good Earth' production in subsequent chapters appears to be less justified in terms of the time spent and its contribution to the overall narrative seeing as she wasn't in it.
These criticisms, though present, are relatively minor and do not diminish the overall captivating narrative of Wong's life. While the entire book provided a delightful reading experience, I found particular satisfaction in the detailed exploration of Wong's later years in the post-World War II era. As the 1940s came to a close, Wong's star experienced a dramatic decline, resulting in a scarcity of publicly available information about her life during that period. Author Katie Gee Salisbury excels in delivering a spectacular account, drawing from primary sources such as Wong's correspondence with friends and interviews with her former tenants. This meticulous approach vividly portrays what was undoubtedly a challenging phase in Wong's already tumultuous life.
Regrettably, as I neared the conclusion of the book, I was aware of the inevitable—the moment when Wong would depart from our world. Even with this foresight, facing the death of someone I admire didn't become any easier. Nevertheless, Author Katie Gee Salisbury handles the account of Hollywood's first Chinese film star's ultimate demise with both respect and reassurance that her death was not in vain, but an end of an era, and the beginning of a new one - a passed torch - to all of those who followed in her footsteps.
Wong's life has often been characterized as tragic—a tale marked by oppression, racial segregation, and stereotyping, factors that hindered an otherwise outstanding individual striving to dismantle the racial barriers affecting her people through film. Some have sought to question this narrative, contending that the challenges she faced or the way her life concluded doesn't necessarily categorize it as a tragedy.
While the book doesn't take a particular stance on this topic. In my view, there's no reason for these two perspectives to be seen as mutually exclusive. A life can encompass both fulfillment and tragedy. Consider Abraham Lincoln—his life ended in a tragic manner, yet when we reflect on him, we remember a self-taught lawyer who rose to become President and dedicated his entire presidency to earnestly trying to unite the nation during a civil war. His life was a blend of heroism and tragedy.
Anna May Wong's life was intricate, much like anyone else's. She was an extraordinary woman who skillfully forged a career as an actress, achieving a level of success that contemporary actors would envy. All this occurred in an industry that, frankly, struggled to understand her and within a nation that, by all indications, had failed her. This is precisely what renders her so significant to many—her ability to thrive remarkably despite the challenges and tragedies that marked much of her life. Her life was both inspiring, and tragic. A balance which this book manages to convey particularly well.
In conclusion, 'Not Your China Doll' provides a nuanced exploration of Anna May Wong's complex life, skillfully navigating through the triumphs and tribulations that defined her journey. While some sections could be considered less essential to the overall narrative flow, the author adeptly weaves a compelling story of a remarkable woman who faced oppression, racial stereotypes, and industry challenges, yet managed to carve out an extraordinary career in acting.
The careful attention given to Wong's later years, post-World War II, is particularly commendable, shedding light on a period with limited public information. The narrative handles Wong's inevitable departure with respect and reassurance, acknowledging the dual nature of a life that was both fulfilling and tragic. In essence, the book captures the essence of Anna May Wong's unique legacy, celebrating her resilience, achievements, and the indelible mark she left on the history of Hollywood.
As someone who is relatively new to the Anna May Wong fandom, having been acquainted with her existence only last year. I, (like seemingly all of her fans) were overtaken by her story, and strove to learn as much about her life as possible. 'Not Your China Doll' adeptly chronicles Anna May Wong's journey, starting from her early childhood and her inaugural role in 'The Red Lantern' to her first leading role in 'The Toll of the Sea.' The narrative extends through her experiences in Europe, China, and back to America, culminating in her passing. While fundamentally a compilation of primary and secondary sources on Anna May Wong, the book is so skillfully written that it doesn't feel like a mere aggregation of newspaper articles or journal entries. Instead, it immerses the reader in the unfolding of someone's life as if witnessed firsthand.
The book unflinchingly exposes the harsh realities of the discriminatory treatment faced by minorities during the first half of the 20th century. Racism was an unfortunate and pervasive aspect of daily life during that era, and even Anna May Wong's celebrity status did not inoculate her from its effects. At times I was beside myself reading about how children would encircle Wong and her sister Lulu, berating her as a "Chink" while slanting their eyes in a mocking manner. Or how Anna was invited to a country club by a friend, only to find out that it was strictly a "whites only" establishment, the owner of whom allowed Anna to stay, but forbid her from taking part in any of the club's activities. While these anecdotes were challenging to absorb, they are crucial in providing a contextual backdrop to Anna May Wong's time, fostering a greater appreciation for her resilience in the face of such adversity.
While the book serves as a rich repository of Anna May Wong's stories, some sections were less engaging, particularly when it delved into the lives of other individuals connected to Anna May Wong or events occurring at the time. Particularly some of the people she met in Europe, where entire paragraphs are spent in my opinion giving unnecessary details on their lives. Only for us to never hear about them again later on in the book except for maybe a passing mention.
While it's essential to provide context by exploring the people and circumstances that influenced Wong's life, these segments seemed to linger unnecessarily. For example, in the middle of the book, the author details how Anna May, disappointed after losing the role of O-Lan in 'The Good Earth,' embarks on a year-long vacation to China with her family. While this is a noteworthy aspect, the narrative then extends for the next couple of chapters, delving into the production of 'The Good Earth,' which, despite its significance in Wong's life, seemed unrelated and somewhat slowed down an otherwise cohesive storyline.
In contrast, consider the earlier chapters of the book that delve into the details of Douglas Fairbanks and the production of 'The Thief of Baghdad.' These chapters are crucial, given Anna May Wong's significant role as one of the stars. In comparison, the extensive focus on 'The Good Earth' production in subsequent chapters appears to be less justified in terms of the time spent and its contribution to the overall narrative seeing as she wasn't in it.
These criticisms, though present, are relatively minor and do not diminish the overall captivating narrative of Wong's life. While the entire book provided a delightful reading experience, I found particular satisfaction in the detailed exploration of Wong's later years in the post-World War II era. As the 1940s came to a close, Wong's star experienced a dramatic decline, resulting in a scarcity of publicly available information about her life during that period. Author Katie Gee Salisbury excels in delivering a spectacular account, drawing from primary sources such as Wong's correspondence with friends and interviews with her former tenants. This meticulous approach vividly portrays what was undoubtedly a challenging phase in Wong's already tumultuous life.
Regrettably, as I neared the conclusion of the book, I was aware of the inevitable—the moment when Wong would depart from our world. Even with this foresight, facing the death of someone I admire didn't become any easier. Nevertheless, Author Katie Gee Salisbury handles the account of Hollywood's first Chinese film star's ultimate demise with both respect and reassurance that her death was not in vain, but an end of an era, and the beginning of a new one - a passed torch - to all of those who followed in her footsteps.
Wong's life has often been characterized as tragic—a tale marked by oppression, racial segregation, and stereotyping, factors that hindered an otherwise outstanding individual striving to dismantle the racial barriers affecting her people through film. Some have sought to question this narrative, contending that the challenges she faced or the way her life concluded doesn't necessarily categorize it as a tragedy.
While the book doesn't take a particular stance on this topic. In my view, there's no reason for these two perspectives to be seen as mutually exclusive. A life can encompass both fulfillment and tragedy. Consider Abraham Lincoln—his life ended in a tragic manner, yet when we reflect on him, we remember a self-taught lawyer who rose to become President and dedicated his entire presidency to earnestly trying to unite the nation during a civil war. His life was a blend of heroism and tragedy.
Anna May Wong's life was intricate, much like anyone else's. She was an extraordinary woman who skillfully forged a career as an actress, achieving a level of success that contemporary actors would envy. All this occurred in an industry that, frankly, struggled to understand her and within a nation that, by all indications, had failed her. This is precisely what renders her so significant to many—her ability to thrive remarkably despite the challenges and tragedies that marked much of her life. Her life was both inspiring, and tragic. A balance which this book manages to convey particularly well.
In conclusion, 'Not Your China Doll' provides a nuanced exploration of Anna May Wong's complex life, skillfully navigating through the triumphs and tribulations that defined her journey. While some sections could be considered less essential to the overall narrative flow, the author adeptly weaves a compelling story of a remarkable woman who faced oppression, racial stereotypes, and industry challenges, yet managed to carve out an extraordinary career in acting.
The careful attention given to Wong's later years, post-World War II, is particularly commendable, shedding light on a period with limited public information. The narrative handles Wong's inevitable departure with respect and reassurance, acknowledging the dual nature of a life that was both fulfilling and tragic. In essence, the book captures the essence of Anna May Wong's unique legacy, celebrating her resilience, achievements, and the indelible mark she left on the history of Hollywood.
January 9, 2024
A comprehensive biography of actress Anna May Wong but a bit disjointed and overblown. Wong was born in Los Angeles to Chinese parents and she became a successful actress in the 1920s but her career was hampered by the Hollywood system that hesitated to use her to her full potential. There are countless examples of Wong losing parts because of her ethnicity, even when she was perfect for specific roles (most involved romantic interactions with Caucasian men, which of course was taboo. Wong was intelligent, elegant and stylish and made the most of her situation and garnered an impressive fan base. At almost 500 pages, the book is vastly overlong and suffers from needless extraneous details. Every co-worker or individual she comes into contact with is profiled at length. The author really goes overboard about the film "The Good Earth", a film that Wong was not even in, although it was unfortunate that she lost out on a role that seemed tailor-made for her. As Wong travels to China, her visit alternates with an exhausting, blow-by-blow account of the making of "The Good Earth". At times fascinating but a frustrating read as well.
March 18, 2024
Very interesting, but definitely padded out with the history of Silent Era and Golden Age Hollywood. It did slog at some points so I would give it a 3.5/5 star but I'm rounding up to 4/5. Overall I'd recommend if you're interested in a side of Hollywood history alongside your biographies.
April 15, 2024
Anna May Wong's memory has received a resurgence of sorts in recent years, with her inclusion in Barbie's Inspiring Women series and her uncanny likeness featured in Damien Chazelle's Babylon; it therefore, comes as no surprise that Anna May Wong is finally memorialized with a cinematic biography worthy of the big screen.
Katie Gee Salisbury proves herself an investigator in Not Your China Doll, and I was pleasantly surprised by just how much detail and context is provided regarding the production of Anna May Wong's films. Although readers will expect a biography of Hollywood's first Chinese-American film star, Salisbury goes above and beyond and provides a vivid portrait of screen-politics and the racist culture surrounding the golden age of cinema. For this reason, I'd recommend Not Your China Doll to not only Anna May Wong fans but any film and/or history buffs interested in Hays-era media and/or the 1920s flapper culture.
Although this biography is written to be inspirational in tone, Not Your China Doll's content remains grim, especially in the actress' later years. By the end of the biography I was left feeling angry towards the Hollywood Anna May fought tooth and nail to be a part of and yet, was never fully accepted nor respected by. Having finished the book, I'm impressed by Salisbury's ability to equally honor Anna May Wong's legacy while also condemning the corrupt Hollywood she contributed her talents to.
Between the pages of Not Your China Doll exists a nuanced depiction of Hollywood's dark history regarding the poor representation of Asian-Americans in cinema. Although Anna May Wong has contributed to projects depicting offensive and/or stereotypical portrayals of minority women and interracial relationships, she remains an inspirational figure who has done her best; that is, given her impossible circumstance of simply having been born too early to witness our present day, post-Crazy Rich Asians cinema landscape.
I will be thinking a lot about the complicated works and history of Anna May Wong’s filmography following my time with this immersive biography, and I’d like to thank Katie Gee Salisbury and Dutton Publishing for sending me a copy of Not Your China Doll to review. I thoroughly enjoyed this remembrance of Anna May Wong and can not wait to see where Sailsbury’s writing career takes her next.
March 17, 2024
This book illustrates how incredibly broad Anna May Wong's life and experience was. Although the title description "Wild and Shimmering" appears at first sight to be overdramatic, having read this extremely well researched and documented biography, it is, if anything, an understatement. Starting as a child in Chinatown in early days Los Angeles in the era of intense racial discrimination against Chinese immigrants, just as the city was about to explode into one of the great metropolises and cultural centers of the world, she went about her own life. The book not only tells her story but also provides the context of her times and associates in so many varied areas -- Hollywood going from the silent film era to sound; her times in Europe between the wars in 1920s Berlin and London; China during the 1930s and always much detail about Los Angeles, movies and into the early years of television.
Although she faced many unfair and frustrating obstacles and set backs because of racial discrimination, such as laws against miscegenation and restrictions on racial mixing imposed by the movies and society -- especially in the US --, the book shows through her own words and actions, that she was not personally defeated by these things and led the life that she wanted to lead and accomplished so much artistically and professionally given the hand she was dealt.
The book moves along quickly and holds the reader's interest throughout, despite all the details about all aspects of her life and the larger context of the times and places she lived in.
My daughter wrote this book, but not one word of this review would have been different, if she were not my daughter.
Although she faced many unfair and frustrating obstacles and set backs because of racial discrimination, such as laws against miscegenation and restrictions on racial mixing imposed by the movies and society -- especially in the US --, the book shows through her own words and actions, that she was not personally defeated by these things and led the life that she wanted to lead and accomplished so much artistically and professionally given the hand she was dealt.
The book moves along quickly and holds the reader's interest throughout, despite all the details about all aspects of her life and the larger context of the times and places she lived in.
My daughter wrote this book, but not one word of this review would have been different, if she were not my daughter.
March 15, 2024
In this book, you will have the opportunity to come to know an extraordinary woman who used her talent to great effect during her time in the entertainment industry, and although she had only a limited number of opportunities as an actress, she was still able to achieve the level of success that would make many individuals envious. There is nothing more touching, insightful, or truthful than Anna May Wong's biography of the discriminatory treatment minorities experienced during the first half of the twentieth century. Among the books I read this year, this is one of my favorites.
April 16, 2024
This beautifully written biography highlights the challenges which faced the first Chinese-American movie actress in an age when white performers wore "yellow face" to play Asian characters while Asian performers were either turned away or relegated to minor, and often derogatory, roles.
March 17, 2024
When I mentioned to friends and coworkers that I was reading a biography of Anna May Wong, the reaction was always, "Who?" It is discouraging that a woman who was an international star, fashion icon, and philanthropist, someone who made over 60 films - is now unknown to so many. Salisbury's book covers Wong's entire life, up to her tragic death of a heart attack at age 56. Her career is covered in detail from her start as an extra in silent films up to the age of modern motion pictures, radio, and television.
The liberal inclusion of quotes from interviews, letters, and similar sources brings Wong's personality to life, as do the photos from throughout her life. Readers can see her as a slave girl in "The Thief of Baghdad" with Douglas Fairbanks or posing with Marlene Dietrich at the Reimann Art School Ball in 1930. Her time in Hollywood, making films in Europe, performing in England, and back to the U.S. are all recounted in incredible detail.
As we have seen in even recent years with #oscarssowhite, Hollywood has always had trouble with representation and inclusion. One of Wong's many disappointments described in the book was being passed over for the lead role in Pearl Buck's "The Good Earth," just as in so many other movies where she was offered a secondary role so that a white actress could perform in yellow face. It is almost heartbreaking when Salisbury compares her career to that of Michelle Yeoh and how it took "nearly four decades in the industry" before Yeoh finally set "eyes on a script that called on her to demonstrate her full range as an actress." In 2023 Yeoh "became the first Asian woman to win an Oscar for best actress."
Anna May once said, "Some day some one will write a story demanding a real Chinese girl - then perhaps I will have my chance." She never got that chance, but her legacy lives on. To find out all about her and how she helped to pave the way for Michelle Yeoh, Margaret Cho, Awkwafina, Lucy Liu, and so many others...read this amazing biography. And if it sends you on a search for more information, there are pages of bibliography and chapter notes to help you find sources that may hold the answers.
I read an advanced copy - but the book came out March 12, so grab a copy and dive into Hollywood history that not many know.
The liberal inclusion of quotes from interviews, letters, and similar sources brings Wong's personality to life, as do the photos from throughout her life. Readers can see her as a slave girl in "The Thief of Baghdad" with Douglas Fairbanks or posing with Marlene Dietrich at the Reimann Art School Ball in 1930. Her time in Hollywood, making films in Europe, performing in England, and back to the U.S. are all recounted in incredible detail.
As we have seen in even recent years with #oscarssowhite, Hollywood has always had trouble with representation and inclusion. One of Wong's many disappointments described in the book was being passed over for the lead role in Pearl Buck's "The Good Earth," just as in so many other movies where she was offered a secondary role so that a white actress could perform in yellow face. It is almost heartbreaking when Salisbury compares her career to that of Michelle Yeoh and how it took "nearly four decades in the industry" before Yeoh finally set "eyes on a script that called on her to demonstrate her full range as an actress." In 2023 Yeoh "became the first Asian woman to win an Oscar for best actress."
Anna May once said, "Some day some one will write a story demanding a real Chinese girl - then perhaps I will have my chance." She never got that chance, but her legacy lives on. To find out all about her and how she helped to pave the way for Michelle Yeoh, Margaret Cho, Awkwafina, Lucy Liu, and so many others...read this amazing biography. And if it sends you on a search for more information, there are pages of bibliography and chapter notes to help you find sources that may hold the answers.
I read an advanced copy - but the book came out March 12, so grab a copy and dive into Hollywood history that not many know.
February 16, 2024
I received a digital ARC from the publisher (Penguin Group Dutton) through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book gave a comprehensive overview of Anna May Wong's life. I learned so much not only about the actress (both her acting and activism), but also about early Hollywood, the movie industry, and the cultural feel of the 1920s to the 1950s. The amount of research that went into this is very clear; I enjoyed all the direct quotations and it truly felt like Anna May Wong came to life on the page. Many of the sentiments that she expressed still feel completely relevant today. I enjoyed the discussion of the current film industry vs. the environment in which Anna May Wong lived (and the last sentence of the book summed everything up so perfectly). I would recommend this book to anyone interested in early Hollywood/film production or West Coast Asian American history.
This book gave a comprehensive overview of Anna May Wong's life. I learned so much not only about the actress (both her acting and activism), but also about early Hollywood, the movie industry, and the cultural feel of the 1920s to the 1950s. The amount of research that went into this is very clear; I enjoyed all the direct quotations and it truly felt like Anna May Wong came to life on the page. Many of the sentiments that she expressed still feel completely relevant today. I enjoyed the discussion of the current film industry vs. the environment in which Anna May Wong lived (and the last sentence of the book summed everything up so perfectly). I would recommend this book to anyone interested in early Hollywood/film production or West Coast Asian American history.
April 6, 2024
Katie Gee Salisbury's biography of silent film star and Jazz Age fashion icon, Anna May Wong is a story of hard work. This is not to say it's without glamour--Anna May's was, as the subtitle assures us, a 'wild and shimmering life'. But it is a story of hard graft that often goes unrewarded for its protagonist. It's no secret that Hollywood of the 20th century was rife with racism, but Not Your China Doll makes this fact starkly clear, with multiple chapters cataloguing just how many Asian or Asian American roles Anna May was passed over in favour of white actresses in yellow face. Katie Gee Salisbury makes a great deal of the MGM picture, The Good Earth, a subject she handles well but a decision which seemed a little misguided to me--focusing so greatly on one of the many films for which Anna May was not even chosen, when her actual filmography has been so neglected historically was a shame; I would've appreciated, instead, a little more focus on her retirement and later years.
The biography is at its strongest when fiercely refusing the tragic tone imposed on Anna May's life by other biographers, gossip columnists, and orientalist fantasies--the same orientalist tragic narrative she was doomed to replay in her filmography, consistently dying at the end. The book is sometimes a little disjointed and seems to struggle to marry the hard working, grifting Anna May with the glamorous star of the screen. Perhaps, however, this is intentional; reflective of Anna May's own struggle to reconcile her cross cultural and biracial identity, and of her contemporaries' insistence on the division of 'oriental and occidental'. Last year's 'Babylon' gives Anna May a captivating but decidedly scant screen time. The same could not be said of Katie Gee Salisbury's biography, which paints the picture of a shrewd self-fashioner, a glamorous legend, and an unparalleled hard worker.
Thank you to Faber for the advance copy!
The biography is at its strongest when fiercely refusing the tragic tone imposed on Anna May's life by other biographers, gossip columnists, and orientalist fantasies--the same orientalist tragic narrative she was doomed to replay in her filmography, consistently dying at the end. The book is sometimes a little disjointed and seems to struggle to marry the hard working, grifting Anna May with the glamorous star of the screen. Perhaps, however, this is intentional; reflective of Anna May's own struggle to reconcile her cross cultural and biracial identity, and of her contemporaries' insistence on the division of 'oriental and occidental'. Last year's 'Babylon' gives Anna May a captivating but decidedly scant screen time. The same could not be said of Katie Gee Salisbury's biography, which paints the picture of a shrewd self-fashioner, a glamorous legend, and an unparalleled hard worker.
Thank you to Faber for the advance copy!
April 21, 2024
I’ve waited a long time for a good biography on Anna May Wong to be released… This is it! When I first became a fan in 2006, I read everything about Anna May Wong—which often varied in quality & veracity. Past biographies of AMW seemingly espoused the same old information retold in different ways. This is not to disparage them, however, they did the best with the information & resources they had at the time.
Reasons why I adore this book:
💠Katie writes in a narrrative writing style, culling copious amounts of research—not simply regurgitating information in a summary format.
💠Anna May Wong is not in a vacuum—an island on her own—and is integrated in film & Hollywood history. She has family, friends & a life of her own.
💠Great care & empathy in addressing tragedies, deaths & losses that AMW experiences.
💠Painting an accurate picture of her—the whole picture—including her struggles with alcoholism. Not glossing over it.
💠Debunks misconceptions & reframes AMW’s place in history.
Addressing criticisms of the book:
💥Unnecessary details: IMHO, Katie could’ve added more details, but it is already almost 500 pages. I believe everything included was purposeful & lends to the story.
💥Disjointed: Out of all the books I’ve read on AMW, this one is the least disjointed. Yes, she references things earlier in this book, but it links events together. Katie takes great effort to integrate and embed AMW in film history, where she is often omitted from.
💥The Good Earth: It would’ve been very obvious if it was left out. I find the background info on it fascinating & Mary Wong, AMW’s younger sister, was in the film.
Things I love to know more about:
💮More on her friendship with Anthony Quinn 💮Her funeral 💮 Timeline of pivotal events 💮Family tree/photos
Overall rating: 5/5 stars
Reasons why I adore this book:
💠Katie writes in a narrrative writing style, culling copious amounts of research—not simply regurgitating information in a summary format.
💠Anna May Wong is not in a vacuum—an island on her own—and is integrated in film & Hollywood history. She has family, friends & a life of her own.
💠Great care & empathy in addressing tragedies, deaths & losses that AMW experiences.
💠Painting an accurate picture of her—the whole picture—including her struggles with alcoholism. Not glossing over it.
💠Debunks misconceptions & reframes AMW’s place in history.
Addressing criticisms of the book:
💥Unnecessary details: IMHO, Katie could’ve added more details, but it is already almost 500 pages. I believe everything included was purposeful & lends to the story.
💥Disjointed: Out of all the books I’ve read on AMW, this one is the least disjointed. Yes, she references things earlier in this book, but it links events together. Katie takes great effort to integrate and embed AMW in film history, where she is often omitted from.
💥The Good Earth: It would’ve been very obvious if it was left out. I find the background info on it fascinating & Mary Wong, AMW’s younger sister, was in the film.
Things I love to know more about:
💮More on her friendship with Anthony Quinn 💮Her funeral 💮 Timeline of pivotal events 💮Family tree/photos
Overall rating: 5/5 stars
April 12, 2024
This book not only details Anna's career in Hollywood but the changes in the industry from silent movies to "talkies" to television as well. It's the first story about Anna that I can recall being told with her agency in mind, that she didn't just sit and languish after turning down a bit role in The Good Earth. She took her life by the reins and drove to create her own opportunities no matter where that took her. Meanwhile, the author shows us the full process of getting The Good Earth produced, from pre-production to release. The author also uses a good amount of primary sources referenced. The role of racism in typecasting Anna and giving her "a thousand deaths" rather than give her character a happy ending with a haole romantic partner on screen is also thoroughly documented by the author. Even in Europe, she was unable to escape those roles when it came to what censors wanted. In the epilogue, we see minimal progress from a hundred years ago as far as Asian/AsAm casting/roles/writers/directors/crew. I have only ever been able to count on one hand the number of network TV shows with an Asian/AsAm lead running each fall. Using primary sources, the author points to letters from audiences disappointed in Anna's absence in the lead role for "The Good Earth." Contrary to what studio heads have used as an excuse for a century, the general public *does* want to see us in lead roles, telling our own stories. The recent popularity of BIPOC-centered stories told by BIPOC is proof. Reservation Dogs, Black Panther, Everything, Everywhere All At Once, Crazy Rich Asians...
April 5, 2024
Anna May Wong did so much in terms of Asian representation in the entertainment industry, but she went through so many obstacles to pave the way for future actors and actresses. I grew so frustrated reading through all the racist reviews, comments, etc. she had to endure.
Notable lines:
“Maybe the English simply had a bad case of China Doll syndrome. They delighted in gazing upon Anna May Wong’s ‘enigmatic’ veneer, but once the woman inside spoke, her voice rang out like a gong, shattering the illusion that she might really be made of porcelain. The thing is, dolls are never wanted for their voices, much less their souls.”
“Everywhere she went, she changed the landscape, her obdurate sense of purpose carving through rock like steadily dripping water, breaking down centuries of sediment slowly but surely.”
“We don’t know how to live properly . . . Lately, as I’ve looked over my possessions, I’ve thought: ‘Why do we cling to useless things?’ For the matter of that, why do we cling to useless thoughts? And to useless people? That last is a hard thing to say, I know, but isn’t it true?”
Notable lines:
“Maybe the English simply had a bad case of China Doll syndrome. They delighted in gazing upon Anna May Wong’s ‘enigmatic’ veneer, but once the woman inside spoke, her voice rang out like a gong, shattering the illusion that she might really be made of porcelain. The thing is, dolls are never wanted for their voices, much less their souls.”
“Everywhere she went, she changed the landscape, her obdurate sense of purpose carving through rock like steadily dripping water, breaking down centuries of sediment slowly but surely.”
“We don’t know how to live properly . . . Lately, as I’ve looked over my possessions, I’ve thought: ‘Why do we cling to useless things?’ For the matter of that, why do we cling to useless thoughts? And to useless people? That last is a hard thing to say, I know, but isn’t it true?”
April 3, 2024
Not Your China Doll is a well-written heavily researched biography about a charismatic, smart, and ultimately underutilized actress. Anna May Wong was a star who was meant to be a leading lady if the racist policies at the time had let her be. I loved getting to learn more about her life as before I only knew a few vague details about the amazing actress. While I read, I found myself getting angry as time and again Wong was passed over for leading roles and instead, it was given to a white actress in yellowface. The author did a great job of conveying the difficult tightrope Ms. Wong had to walk in order to act in a Hollywood which seemed to work against her at every turn. I also learned that she was a generous soul who raised money for China, the war effort, and many charities. Overall, this was a fantastic book that I would highly recommend!
April 19, 2024
Not Your China Doll is a meticulously researched biography shedding light on the life of Anna May Wong, a talented actress thwarted by racist Hollywood norms. Despite her charisma and intelligence, Wong faced constant discrimination, often losing leading roles to white actresses in yellowface. The author adeptly captures Wong's struggles and resilience in navigating a hostile industry. Additionally, the book reveals Wong's philanthropic efforts, showcasing her generosity beyond the screen. Highly recommended and eye-opening
April 22, 2024
Another ‘random’ pick from the library. I have heard about Anna May Wong, but didn’t know her full story. While I haven’t read previous biographies about her, this one gives her proper due. While it it’s understandable to lament that Wong didn’t get her proper due when she was alive, Salisbury also praises Wong’s diverse work and her tenacity to keep going despite all odds. Salisbury gives you a newfound appreciation for Wong and all of the groundwork she laid for future Asian-American actors. Recommend for anyone interested in film, women’s history, and/or Asian-American history.
March 12, 2024
As a self-proclaimed expert on the subject of silent movie star Anna May Wong, this book, above all others, captured her true spirit. Katie Gee Salisbury's effusive prose blended with a steadfast journalistic thoroughness is a pleasure to read. The book includes gems such as photos, Wong's letters and other memorabilia. It will prove to be the decisive book on Anna May Wong and I cannot recommend it enough.
April 15, 2024
This was a wonderfully interesting story about the American Asian actress Anna May Wong. She grew up in America, lived in Los Angeles and worked in her family's laundry business where she was discovered. She starred in the Douglas Fairbanks' film Thief of Bagdad and that started her career. Well written!
March 8, 2024
I wrote this book, and well, I think it's pretty great. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into it, so I'm giving it five stars—one for every year I worked on it.
But don't take my word for it. Read the book yourself!
But don't take my word for it. Read the book yourself!
March 21, 2024
A delightful and intriguing celebration of AMW. She comes to life in Katie Gee Salisbury’s thoroughly researched book and is a must read for AMW fans. It’s full of never before seen photos and letters from AMW.
April 1, 2024
I appreciated this more than Strictly Dynamite (which I still haven’t been able to finish). I feel like the author did a good job discussing the racism Anna May Wong faced and putting her life into appropriate cultural context.
April 1, 2024
Katie Gee does the best job ever in defining Anna May's life and career, both the highs and lows. She was granted access from the family to details that were not known until now. Plus, her research has no peers. Bravo!
April 7, 2024
Amazing story of Asian American movie star Anna May Wong. Loved the narrative and prose but felt it didn't build out the darker side of her life in her later years very well. Almost read like a wikipedia article expanded to a book.
January 24, 2024
I absolutely love the setting of this book. It kept me engaged and wanting to read more and more. I found myself thinking about the story throughout the day.
February 8, 2024
Very interesting
March 23, 2024
Read this book! It’s fantastic in every and all ways!
April 9, 2024
So dull I couldn’t finish. Anna May deserves better than this book.
April 14, 2024
The Ultimate Biography Of The Amazing Woman Behind The Name!!
March 18, 2024
Updated review of Not Your China Doll ✨
I’ve waited a long time for a good biography on Anna May Wong to be released… This is it! When I first became a fan in 2006, I read everything about Anna May Wong—which often varied in quality & veracity. Past biographies of AMW seemingly espoused the same old information retold in different ways. This is not to disparage them, however, they did the best with the information & resources they had at the time.
Reasons why I adore this book:
💠Katie writes in a narrrative writing style, culling copious amounts of research—not simply regurgitating information in a summary format.
💠Anna May Wong is not in a vacuum—an island on her own—and is integrated in film & Hollywood history. She has family, friends & a life of her own.
💠Great care & empathy in addressing tragedies, deaths & losses that AMW experiences.
💠Painting an accurate picture of her—the whole picture—including her struggles with alcoholism. Not glossing over it.
💠Debunks misconceptions & reframes AMW’s place in history.
Addressing criticisms of the book:
💥Unnecessary details: IMHO, Katie could’ve added more details, but it is already almost 500 pages. I believe everything included was purposeful & lends to the story.
💥Disjointed: Out of all the books I’ve read on AMW, this one is the least disjointed. Yes, she references things earlier in this book, but it links events together. Katie takes great effort to integrate and embed AMW in film history, where she is often omitted from.
💥The Good Earth: It would’ve been very obvious if it was left out. I find the background info on it fascinating & Mary Wong, AMW’s younger sister, was in the film.
Things I love to know more about:
💮More on her friendship with Anthony Quinn 💮Her funeral 💮 Timeline of pivotal events 💮Family tree/photos
Overall rating: 5/5 stars
I will gladly read this book over & over! 💗
---
My honest review of Not Your China Doll: The Wild & Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong✨
Preface: I was able receive an uncorrected ebook copy, also known as a galley, through netgalley.com —with my request approved by the publisher of this book. Although I aided in some research on AMW & have become friends with Katie Gee Salisbury, the author of this biography, I will review this book like any other book on Anna May Wong—honestly & fairly. Opinions are my own. I am also known as the curator of The Gallery of Anna May Wong YouTube channel and the Anna May Wong Fans Instagram page.
Technical: The life story of Anna May Wong is divided up by four sections—or 4 acts, with a total of 15 chapters—not including the preface, prologue, epilogue, and other pages. At least one photograph is included at the beginning of each chapter.
The story: Anna May Wong’s life story is told through a narrative writing style. Rather than to summarize & take sources at face value, Katie does the investigative research & delves deep into AMW’s life. Primary sources & direct quotes are well integrated into the story which is told in chronological order. In doing so, she debunks many of the myths & misconceptions about AMW. Most importantly, it’s an incredibly tender, moving, factual & honest biography on AMW. The emotional parts of the book are executed perfectly—especially in regards to disappointments, death in the family, heartbreak, and so on. I cried at some emotionally stirring parts of the book. Of course, AMW’s wit & humor shone through at many points of this book—which I feel is lacking in some of the books on AMW. Classic film/Old Hollywood history is interwoven with AMW’s story. AMW’s physical & metaphorical death is beautifully written as is her legacy for future generations.
Note: I saw a couple of errors which I brought up with the author & has been corrected for the final published version. She has added material to the published version.
I rate this galley version ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I’ll rate it again near the official release date in March 2024.
I’ve waited a long time for a good biography on Anna May Wong to be released… This is it! When I first became a fan in 2006, I read everything about Anna May Wong—which often varied in quality & veracity. Past biographies of AMW seemingly espoused the same old information retold in different ways. This is not to disparage them, however, they did the best with the information & resources they had at the time.
Reasons why I adore this book:
💠Katie writes in a narrrative writing style, culling copious amounts of research—not simply regurgitating information in a summary format.
💠Anna May Wong is not in a vacuum—an island on her own—and is integrated in film & Hollywood history. She has family, friends & a life of her own.
💠Great care & empathy in addressing tragedies, deaths & losses that AMW experiences.
💠Painting an accurate picture of her—the whole picture—including her struggles with alcoholism. Not glossing over it.
💠Debunks misconceptions & reframes AMW’s place in history.
Addressing criticisms of the book:
💥Unnecessary details: IMHO, Katie could’ve added more details, but it is already almost 500 pages. I believe everything included was purposeful & lends to the story.
💥Disjointed: Out of all the books I’ve read on AMW, this one is the least disjointed. Yes, she references things earlier in this book, but it links events together. Katie takes great effort to integrate and embed AMW in film history, where she is often omitted from.
💥The Good Earth: It would’ve been very obvious if it was left out. I find the background info on it fascinating & Mary Wong, AMW’s younger sister, was in the film.
Things I love to know more about:
💮More on her friendship with Anthony Quinn 💮Her funeral 💮 Timeline of pivotal events 💮Family tree/photos
Overall rating: 5/5 stars
I will gladly read this book over & over! 💗
---
My honest review of Not Your China Doll: The Wild & Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong✨
Preface: I was able receive an uncorrected ebook copy, also known as a galley, through netgalley.com —with my request approved by the publisher of this book. Although I aided in some research on AMW & have become friends with Katie Gee Salisbury, the author of this biography, I will review this book like any other book on Anna May Wong—honestly & fairly. Opinions are my own. I am also known as the curator of The Gallery of Anna May Wong YouTube channel and the Anna May Wong Fans Instagram page.
Technical: The life story of Anna May Wong is divided up by four sections—or 4 acts, with a total of 15 chapters—not including the preface, prologue, epilogue, and other pages. At least one photograph is included at the beginning of each chapter.
The story: Anna May Wong’s life story is told through a narrative writing style. Rather than to summarize & take sources at face value, Katie does the investigative research & delves deep into AMW’s life. Primary sources & direct quotes are well integrated into the story which is told in chronological order. In doing so, she debunks many of the myths & misconceptions about AMW. Most importantly, it’s an incredibly tender, moving, factual & honest biography on AMW. The emotional parts of the book are executed perfectly—especially in regards to disappointments, death in the family, heartbreak, and so on. I cried at some emotionally stirring parts of the book. Of course, AMW’s wit & humor shone through at many points of this book—which I feel is lacking in some of the books on AMW. Classic film/Old Hollywood history is interwoven with AMW’s story. AMW’s physical & metaphorical death is beautifully written as is her legacy for future generations.
Note: I saw a couple of errors which I brought up with the author & has been corrected for the final published version. She has added material to the published version.
I rate this galley version ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I’ll rate it again near the official release date in March 2024.
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