👩👧 Book Review: The Fourth Daughter by Lyn Liao Butler
A poignant, multi-generational family saga that blends historical trauma, cultural identity, and the healing power of food.
Lyn Liao Butler’s The Fourth Daughter is a deeply emotional and culturally rich novel that explores the bond between a Taiwanese grandmother and her American granddaughter. With a Goodreads rating of 4.35/5 from over 8,000 readers, it’s a standout for fans of historical fiction, family drama, and stories rooted in heritage and resilience.
📖 Plot Overview
Liv Kuo, a rising chef in Manhattan, is emotionally paralyzed after a traumatic shooting at her restaurant. Unable to leave her apartment, she receives a call from her beloved grandmother Ah-Ma in Taiwan, asking for help in locating her long-lost fourth daughter—an aunt Liv never knew existed.
Liv travels to Taiwan, where she uncovers a heartbreaking family history shaped by martial law, superstition, and sacrifice. As she helps Ah-Ma search for the missing daughter, Liv also begins to confront her own trauma, rediscover her passion for cooking, and reconnect with her cultural roots.
🧠 Themes Explored
- Historical Trauma: The novel vividly portrays Taiwan under martial law, including political persecution and family separation.
- Cultural Identity: Liv’s journey bridges East and West, exploring how heritage can be both a burden and a source of strength.
- Motherhood & Generational Bonds: The relationship between Liv and Ah-Ma is tender, complex, and central to the story.
- Food as Healing: Taiwanese cuisine—congee, braised pork belly, and more—serves as a metaphor for comfort, tradition, and emotional recovery.
💬 Reader Reactions
- “Liv’s emotional arc is beautifully written. Her bond with Ah-Ma brought me to tears.”
- “The historical sections were powerful and eye-opening.”
- “A moving story that blends past and present with grace.”
Some readers noted a slow start, but most praised the dual timeline structure and the emotional payoff.
🏁 Final Verdict
The Fourth Daughter is a beautifully woven tale of loss, identity, and healing. If you enjoy novels like Pachinko or The Joy Luck Club, this one will resonate deeply. It’s a tribute to the women who endure, the histories we inherit, and the love that binds us across oceans and generations.
