In the Valley of the Sun

A Novel by Vanessa Hua

Image courtesy of HarperCollins

In the Valley of the Sun is a novel by Arizona native Vanessa Hua. The book tells the story of a young Chinese-American woman who moves to the Phoenix area to start a new life. She soon finds herself drawn into the dark underbelly of the city, where she must confront her own demons and the prejudices of those around her.

The novel's protagonist, Melody Liang, is a 25-year-old Chinese-American woman who has recently moved to Phoenix from Los Angeles. She is estranged from her family and is struggling to find her place in the world. She takes a job as a cocktail waitress at a local bar, where she meets a cast of characters who will change her life forever.

Melody is drawn to the dark side of the city, where she finds herself involved in dangerous situations. She witnesses violence and prejudice, and she is forced to confront her own inner demons. She is also drawn to the beauty of the desert, which provides a stark contrast to the harshness of the city.

In the Valley of the Sun is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of immigration, identity, race, prejudice, violence, family, and love. It is a story that will stay with readers long after they finish the last page.

Praise for In the Valley of the Sun

"Vanessa Hua's In the Valley of the Sun is a powerful and moving novel that explores the complexities of identity, family, and the American Dream. Hua's writing is sharp and insightful, and her characters are unforgettable. This is a must-read for anyone who cares about the human condition." - Celeste Ng, author of Little Fires Everywhere

"In the Valley of the Sun is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel. Vanessa Hua has created a powerful and unforgettable story about the search for identity and the complex bonds of family. This is a book that will stay with me long after I finish it." - Jhumpa Lahiri, author of The Namesake

"Vanessa Hua's In the Valley of the Sun is a stunning debut novel. Hua's writing is sharp and evocative, and her characters are complex and compelling. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the American experience." - Viet Thanh Nguyen, author of The Sympathizer

About the Author

Vanessa Hua is the author of the novel In the Valley of the Sun and the short story collection A River of Stars. She is a graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop and a former Stegner Fellow at Stanford University. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Granta.

Hua was born in Los Angeles and raised in the San Gabriel Valley. She is the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants.

In the Valley of the Sun is Hua's first novel. The book was inspired by her experiences growing up in the Phoenix area. She wanted to write a story about the people and places that she had known, and to explore the themes of immigration, identity, and the American Dream.

In the Valley of the Sun is a powerful and moving novel that explores the complexities of the human condition. It is a story that will stay with readers long after they finish the last page.