Thoughtful SpecFic in M. N. Lee’s Proof of Origin

In this near-future specfic novel, a new executive order instantly revokes American citizenship for those whose families immigrated in the last few generations, and gives them a few days to self-deport before facing arrest. The story in M. N. Lee’s Proof of Origin moves between a family rushing from the US and trying to establish a new life in a homeland the younger generation has barely visited, a white family who at first benefits from the husband’s role in removing immigrants, and an immigrant’s son who thinks he’ll be safe from the policies he’s helped to establish.  It’s a timely novel, set in a darkly realistic future. 

The problem with taking on such a heavy topic and starting with intense drama is that readers don’t really have a chance to get to know the characters before the action starts. This affects the emotional impact in the beginning of the novel. Readers will still be moved by a story of random displaced people, but the scenes of Jenny and her family’s struggles to establish a new life in Vietnam become more moving and compelling as the characters are developed.  Later in the novel, that nuance and development is there. 

In the story of Charlotte Whitmore, a politician’s wife, we hear familiar refrains from lawmakers about how they don’t hate immigrants, but Americans come first. The Whitmore family benefits personally and socially from the removal of the Nguyen family and others like them, and at first Charlotte accepts the headlines. Over time, of course, the overlap between white supremacy and patriarchy comes for her and her daughters, too. 

In Huy Tran’s storyline, he says all the buzzwords about doing things correctly and following the rules, and for a while, his party loves having an immigrant as the face of these statements. Readers may guess what’s coming, but Huy doesn’t. This was the most moving storyline for me, I won’t spoil it for you, but, OMG, Huy. His deep belief in correct behavior really makes him feel like a tragic hero, again and again. The author develops this character’s background and personality so well that readers will care for him, even through his mistakes.

Proof of Origin is a timely novel where each storyline highlights different aspects of racism, exclusion and immigration policy, and a long-lasting novel that asks universal questions about the meaning of home, family, and safety. 

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