Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By Michelle Law, Hardie Grant Books, $27.99.
Michelle Law admits it felt bizarre to be writing a travel guide in the midst of a global pandemic. How could a guide help when there was a deadly virus ravaging humanity?
The perspective she gained, however, was about the need to get people excited about travel again!
As well, the purpose was about how to navigate the world as an Asian woman today. Law, a writer and an actor working across print, theatre, film and television, makes a point about Asian women in this book (referring to south and east Asian women). “Women often aren’t taken seriously; the stereotype is that we’re demure, meek, submissive, creatures who require protection and invite ownership.” This generalisation is “not only incorrect, it’s also a public safety concern.”
“We are intimidating, astute, and contain a nuclear level of repressed rage. Being fearless. This book is about that: reclaiming our place in the world, one metaphorical Prada floor at a time.”
Asian Girls Are Going Places is a travel book with a difference: it’s about the specific joys, fears and obligations unique to Asian women navigating the world.
Separated into chapters that deal with solo travel, family travel, the best places to celebrate cultural festivals, where to find good Asian food around the globe, romance or relationships and safety and privilege. You will enjoy sage and entertaining advice all told through Law’s signature offbeat, comedic style.
Each chapter incudes anecdotes from Michelle, interviews with Asian women from around the world and handy lists. It’s a book that’s at once cool and collected, yet not afraid to take on the weird, funny and, at times, gross aspects of travel.
While 2022 feels like the continuation of the curveball 2020 threw at us, Law remains cautiously optimistic.
