As a new immigrant (移民) in Australia, I sometimes find it hard to get into the local culture. After reading the book Unpolished Gem (《未经雕琢的宝石》) by Australian writer Alice Pung, I found I am not alone. Pung had the same story as me.
The story is set in Melbourne. Pung's parents are from Cambodia. They have lived in Australia for years. But Pung still has difficulties understanding both cultures.
One is the white Australian culture she lives in. The other is her family's traditional Asian values (价值观). For example, her parents tell her, "You are going to be a lawyer and marry a doctor". This makes Pung want to run away from her life. However, as she argues with her white boyfriend, she knows that traditional Asian values are part of her life. In the end, she happily accepts her own cultural background (背景).
Since Pung lived in her home country for 18 years, it wasn't easy for her to understand Australian culture. I have found that I feel the same way sometimes. In Asian culture, we put a lot of importance on our studies and getting into a good college. But it seems like Western kids are more carefree.
I liked this book because it really shows what it's like to live as an immigrant. I highly recommend (推荐) it to anyone who wants to know what it's like to be an immigrant.
BY LI LANGJING, 15,
KOROWA ANGLICAN GIRLS' SCHOOL,
AUSTRALIA
