🇹🇼 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 and love.
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 strong Goodreads rating of 4.35/5 from over 8,000 readers, this novel has resonated with fans of historical fiction and contemporary drama alike.
🧠 Plot Overview
Liv Kuo, a rising chef in Manhattan, is emotionally paralyzed after a traumatic shooting at her restaurant. She hasn’t left her apartment in months—until her grandmother, Ah-Ma, calls from Taiwan with a startling request: help find her long-lost fourth daughter, taken from her as an infant during Taiwan’s martial law era.
Liv travels to Taiwan, where she uncovers a heartbreaking family history involving superstition, political persecution, and a missing aunt she never knew existed. As Liv and Ah-Ma search for answers, they rediscover their bond through traditional recipes, shared grief, and the resilience of maternal love.
🌸 Why It Resonates
- Dual Timeline Structure: The novel alternates between Liv’s present-day journey and Ah-Ma’s past, offering emotional depth and historical context.
- Historical Insight: Butler vividly portrays Taiwan under martial law, including the fear, arrests, and cultural taboos surrounding the number four.
- Culinary Symbolism: Food is a central motif—used to connect generations, soothe trauma, and celebrate identity.
- Emotional Healing: Liv’s journey is as much about finding her aunt as it is about reclaiming her own life and passion.
💬 Reader Reactions
- “A beautifully woven story of love, loss, and rediscovery.”
- “The historical backdrop was eye-opening, and the emotional payoff was worth every page.”
- “Liv and Ah-Ma’s relationship is the heart of the novel—tender, funny, and deeply moving.”
Some readers noted that the pacing slows in the middle, but most praised the novel’s emotional authenticity and cultural richness.
🏁 Final Verdict
The Fourth Daughter is a heartfelt exploration of family, identity, and the scars left by history. If you enjoy stories that blend personal healing with historical depth—especially those centered on Asian heritage and strong female relationships—this novel is a must-read.
