Rental House: By Weike Wang (Book Review)

Weike Wang’s “Rental House,” delves into the intricate dynamics of marriage and family through the lens of two pivotal vacations. The narrative centers on Keru, a Chinese American woman, and Nate, her white husband from Appalachia, as they navigate the complexities of their relationship amidst contrasting familial backgrounds.

Plot Overview

The novel is divided into two distinct parts, each focusing on a vacation that brings Keru and Nate’s families into close quarters. In the first half, the couple rents a cottage on Cape Cod, inviting their parents for staggered visits. Keru’s immigrant parents exhibit strict and demanding behaviors, emphasizing traditional values and a rigid work ethic. Conversely, Nate’s working-class parents from a rural background display a more conservative outlook, occasionally tinged with subtle prejudices. These interactions highlight the cultural and ideological disparities between the families, placing Keru and Nate in challenging situations as they attempt to mediate and maintain harmony.

Five years later, the second half of the novel follows the couple to a luxury bungalow in the Catskills. Here, they encounter new acquaintances and unexpected visitors, further testing their relationship and individual identities. The narrative explores how time and experiences have influenced their perspectives, shedding light on their personal growth and the evolving nature of their marriage.

Character Development

Wang’s portrayal of Keru and Nate is nuanced, offering deep insights into their internal struggles and aspirations. Keru grapples with the expectations imposed by her parents, who equate suffering with striving and view complacency as a path to failure. This upbringing instills in her a relentless drive for perfection, often leading to internal conflict and a sense of inadequacy. Nate, on the other hand, contends with the challenges of transcending his rural upbringing, facing skepticism from his family regarding his intellectual pursuits and choice of partner. Their interactions with their respective families serve as a mirror, reflecting their insecurities and the societal pressures they face.

Themes Explored

“Rental House” delves into several profound themes:

• Cultural Clash and Identity: The novel examines the intersection of different cultural backgrounds, highlighting how deeply ingrained beliefs and traditions can influence relationships and self-perception.
• Family Expectations vs. Personal Desires: Keru and Nate’s experiences underscore the tension between fulfilling familial obligations and pursuing personal happiness. Their journey reflects the universal struggle of balancing external expectations with internal desires.
• Communication and Misunderstanding: Wang adeptly portrays the nuances of communication, illustrating how unspoken words and cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and emotional distance.

Writing Style

Wang’s writing is characterized by its sharp psychological insight and incisive dialogue. She employs a wry, deadpan humor that adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to engage with complex themes in an accessible manner. Her ability to reveal underlying tensions through subtle interactions showcases her skill in capturing the intricacies of human relationships.

Critical Reception

“Rental House” has garnered acclaim for its insightful portrayal of family dynamics and cultural critique. Kirkus Reviews describes it as “a compelling portrait of family dynamics under pressure,” praising Wang’s sharp psychological insight and effective use of dialogue. Similarly, BookPage highlights Wang’s excellent dialogue, especially in scenes with in-laws, noting that it will make readers laugh out loud while examining what grown children and aging parents owe one another.

However, some critiques point to areas where the novel could have delved deeper. The Boston Globe suggests that “Rental House” falls short of Wang’s previous work, indicating that the characters may not be as fully developed as in her earlier novels. Despite these critiques, the novel’s exploration of contemporary issues within the framework of family and marriage has resonated with many readers.

Conclusion

“Rental House” offers a poignant exploration of the complexities inherent in marriage and family, set against the backdrop of cultural and generational differences. Wang’s deft storytelling and keen observations provide readers with a thoughtful reflection on the challenges of merging distinct backgrounds and the universal quest for understanding and connection.

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