Edmund Young Character Analysis in The Bonesetter’s Daughter

Edmund Young is GaoLing’s second husband, LuLing’s brother-in-law, and Ruth’s uncle. He and his older brother, Edwin, agree to marry GaoLing and LuLing, allowing LuLing to emigrate to the U.S. and presenting the sisters with a path toward citizenship. GaoLing’s marriage to Edmund, a successful dentist, affords her a life of happiness, ease, and financial security. The happy marriage is one example of how GaoLing has managed to move beyond her past while LuLing remains miserable, beholden to her past, and plagued by tragedy. While GaoLing comes to the U.S. and settles into a comfortable, stable life, LuLing almost immediately suffers the loss of a second husband and must struggle to make ends meet as the single mother of a young daughter.

Edmund Young Character Timeline in The Bonesetter’s Daughter

The timeline below shows where the character Edmund Young appears in The Bonesetter’s Daughter. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...a grocer. LuLing’s husband, Edwin, attended medical school and was destined for success. GaoLing’s husband, Edmund, was in dental school and considered lazy. However, everything changed when Edwin was killed in... (full context)

...desperately asks her what she can cook to make Ruth feel better. Auntie GaoLing, Uncle Edmund, and their children, Sally and Billy, come over with gifts for Ruth. Still, Ruth is... (full context)

...who is immaculately dressed and carrying a bouquet of expensive flowers. LuLing, GaoLing, and Uncle Edmund arrive next. As LuLing beams at Ruth from across the restaurant, Ruth feels suddenly sad... (full context)

Ruth wishes LuLing, Auntie Gal, and Uncle Edmund a Happy Full Moon. Fia and Dory arrive just as everyone settles down at the... (full context)

The Youngs are celebrating GaoLing’s 77th birthday (really her 82nd) at her and Edmund’s home in Saratoga. Everyone is gathered outside around the pool. When GaoLing gets up to... (full context)

...passing, which catches Ruth off guard. Ruth inquires further, and GaoLing explains that she and Edmund had placed LuLing’s rightful half of Edmund and Edwin’s inheritance in an account for her... (full context)