The Yellow Pearl: A Story of the East and the West

by Adeline M. (Adeline Margaret) Teskey

"The Yellow Pearl: A Story of the East and the West" by Adeline M. Teskey is a novel written in the early 20th century. It follows the experiences of a young woman named Margaret, also known as Pearl, who is the biracial daughter of an American father and a Chinese mother. The story explores her struggles to adapt to life in America after the death of her father and her transition from Chinese culture to her grandmother's home, highlighting themes of identity, cultural conflict, and societal expectations. The opening of the novel introduces Pearl as she grapples with her mixed heritage and the prejudices she faces from her American relatives. After her father's death, she is sent to live with her grandmother in America, where she encounters disapproval from her Aunt Gwendolin and uncle regarding her Chinese background. The narrative highlights her internal conflict as she navigates her identity, feeling pressure to conform to American norms while longing for a connection to her Chinese roots. As she interacts with her new family, the reader sees the stark contrast between her upbringing in China and the expectations placed upon her in America, setting the stage for her story of self-discovery and cultural reconciliation.