THE FIRE HORSE GIRL by Kay Honeyman

 My quick review.

Fabulous cover, no?

Chinese immigrants in America, 1923.
A young-ish YA, historical, a time period and topic that's fascinating. Cleverly plotted love story and mystery/ adventure tale.





Some really glorious writing. For example:
 When Jade Moon/ Fire Horse is trapped at Angel Island-
"The night was long and filled with the sounds of strangers' breath instead of sleep... I thought of our rice terraces, their beauty and promise built over generations, and I tried to remember that dreams, like terraces, are built one stone at a time."

About stories, her friend explains where they come from: "Deep inside of us, where we must bury what we desire most in order to protect it."

 I particularly loved the character of Neal, the Irish immigrant, Fire Horse's protector. 
Super secondary characters, all around. 
Great quote from Neal: "Your name will be on a headstone if Mr. Hon finds out about this." Neil rubbed his hand over his face. "Chinawomen have those little feet. They're quiet. They stay at home."

To this, Jade Moon replies: "Not all of them."