Poh-Poh

Poh-Poh is the grandmother of the family. She is the elder and leader of everyone. In the novel, she acts as a driving force keeping the family connected to China. 

She is constantly in conflict with the other members of the family as her Chinese traditions clash with their new Canadian values.

She is in each of the three sections, and depending on the narrator, is shown in a different perspective. 

In the first section, she is always arguing with Liang.  She shows the old Chinese opinion of the value of girls in society.  

In the second section, she shows her wisdom as she sees deep into the soul of second brother Jung-Sum.  

In the final section, she is greatly valued by the youngest child, Sek-Lung.