Takeaway: Stories From A Childhood Behind The Counter

by Angela Hui
Takeaway: Stories From A Childhood Behind The Counter cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Biography and Memoir
Technical:
  • ID: 1879
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9781398705548
  • Publisher: Trapeze
  • Published: 2022-07-21
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Takeaway is a heartfelt memoir by Angela Hui, recounting her experiences growing up in a Chinese takeaway in rural Wales. The book delves into the challenges and joys of living and working in the family business, from facing discrimination and violence to finding solace in the rhythms of takeaway life and the comfort of home-cooked meals. Hui's narrative is both tender and incisive, offering a unique perspective on identity, family, and the immigrant experience. Beyond the struggles, the memoir also celebrates the beauty and warmth of the takeaway, from family dinners before service to research trips to Hong Kong. It's a story of resilience, love, and the enduring bond of family, set against the backdrop of a bustling takeaway that serves as both a livelihood and a home.

Reviews
Cha Journal · Jennifer Wong · 2024-08-10
evocative 4.50

Jennifer Wong finds the memoir evocative and honest, centering on the everyday lives of Chinese migrants in the UK. They commend the author's ability to capture the complexities of cultural identity and family dynamics.

In her review for Cha Journal, Jennifer Wong praises Angela Hui's memoir for its evocative and honest portrayal of life as a Chinese migrant in the UK. Wong highlights the book's exploration of cultural identity and family dynamics, noting how Hui's personal experiences resonate on a broader scale. The reviewer appreciates the memoir's painstaking honesty, which provides a window into the often overlooked struggles and triumphs of immigrant families. Wong finds the narrative both deeply personal and universally relatable, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Evocative and painstakingly honest, Angela Hui's memoir Takeaway centres on the everyday lives of Chinese migrants in the UK.

    Hui's writing is a testament to the power of personal storytelling in bridging cultural divides.

    A memoir that is as much about family as it is about the broader societal context in which it is set.

The Hawkker Book Club · 2022-08-05
heartfelt 4.25

They highlight the awe-inspiring care and skill of the author's parents, set against a backdrop of stress and cultural challenges. The memoir is celebrated for its warm and incisive exploration of identity and family.

The Hawkker Book Club's review of 'Takeaway: Stories from a Childhood Behind the Counter' focuses on the remarkable dedication and skill of Angela Hui's parents, who run the takeaway amidst numerous challenges. The reviewer notes the memoir's warm and incisive exploration of identity, food, and family dynamics. They appreciate the author's ability to convey the complexities of growing up in a cultural melting pot, highlighting both the joys and hardships. The memoir is praised for its heartfelt narrative, which offers a unique perspective on the immigrant experience.

Quick quotes

    As recounted in Takeaway, the care and skill that Hui's parents bring to their craft are awe-inspiring.

    A warm, incandescent memoir about identity, food, family, relationships.

    Hui's storytelling is both intimate and universal, making her experiences relatable to a wide audience.

The Guardian · 2022-07-16
poignant 4.00

They highlight the raw and unfiltered experiences of growing up in a Chinese takeaway, offering a poignant look at the challenges and cultural nuances faced by the author. The memoir is praised for its honesty and vivid storytelling.

The Guardian's review of 'Takeaway: Stories from a Childhood Behind the Counter' delves into the author's candid recounting of life behind the counter of a Chinese takeaway. They emphasize the book's ability to capture the essence of a unique upbringing, marked by both hardship and resilience. The reviewer appreciates the author's straightforward approach, which brings to light the often overlooked experiences of Chinese migrants in the UK. The memoir is not just a personal story but a broader commentary on identity, culture, and the immigrant experience.

Quick quotes

    Scalding oil, racist prank calls and endless 'lid duty'

    Hui’s memoir is a powerful reminder of the often-invisible labor and sacrifices of immigrant families.

    A raw and unflinching account that is both personal and universally resonant.

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