› Forums › The 2023 Reading Challenge Discussion Groups › Archived Discussion Groups from 2023 Challenges › Read Around the USA – CT, DE, NJ, NY, PA › PAPER NAMES by Susie Luo › Relationship between Tony and Tammy › Reply To: Relationship between Tony and Tammy
I just finished this book on my walk with my dog this morning. It was a good read. The relationship between Tony and Tammy was so heartbreaking – especially in the final chapters when we learn more about Tony’s relationship with his own father and how much he wanted his daughter to have more opportunities and a better life. He told her that was his reason for coming to the US once or twice, but I don’t think she really understood his past because he never fully explained it to her (like many parents). The cycle of abuse is so hard to break, which was evident in their relationship. He loved his daughter fiercely, but had difficulty opening up to her and letting her in to his real emotions. His wife (Kim) tried to moderate his temper, but struggled as well. The dream of a life in America often didn’t match their reality as immigrants (especially for Tony).