"First-time novelist Savitch-Lew is on a mission in this ardently researched,many-faceted neighborhood saga of immigration, race, desperation, and aspiration...forthright, illuminating, and provocative." * Booklist (starred review) * "This is an indelible story of Brooklyn and the recurring tug-of-war between residents and new arrivals over the right to call the borough home. Its a tour de force." * Publishers Weekly (starred review) * "Savitch-Lew shows prodigious narrative gifts in this debut novelA vivid, savory blend of family saga, cultural history, and detective story, rich with urban life and lore." * Kirkus (starred review) * "Abigail Savitch-Lew opens up doors to a Brooklyn world that most of us will never see. She reveals the convergence of cultures that is the real New York to life with flair and grace that make this an utterly enjoyable read." -- James McBride, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store "Livonia Chow Mein is a true New York story, a vivid, empathetic portrait of a Brooklyn neighborhood told through four generations of one family. Abigail Savitch-Lew is a generous and gifted storyteller." -- Lisa Ko, author of Memory Piece and The Leavers In Livonia Chow Mein, Abigail Savitch-Lew achieves a rare synthesis, producing a vivid, rich and rarely seen narrative about Brooklynites that also is a resonant social and political critique, providing new ways of seeing and understanding our past, present and future. Tackling the most difficult subjects, including race, class, gentrification, historys many complexities, and so much more, Savitch-Lews debut novel is a marvel. -- John Keene, National Book Award winning author of Punks