kindlelover1932's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. i liked it but didnt like the ending. i thought it was interesting that they came full circle and burnt the books because they were negatively affected by them (the little seamstress leaving) and hated the little seamstress for leaving. four eyes pissed me off. i thought one of the main two was going to die by falling, and i feel like it was misintentional foreshadowing. good writing style.
sof_28's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
3.5
nglofile's review against another edition
1.0
The first two-thirds of the story was rated much higher. If only it had stopped while more promising.
radiojen's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't think I was going to like this book, but it was the first one chosen for our book club, so I sucked it up and read it. I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I love that about book clubs -- they make you read things you wouldn't normally read.
The book is about two Chinese city boys who are going through "re-education" in the mountains. The man who is the leader of the village where they are being re-educated sends them off to watch movies so they can then return to the mountain village and re-tell the stories. We are also introduced to the little Chinese seamstress, who becomes the boyfriend of one of the boys. She is also enamored with their storytelling, and her life is greatly changed because of it.
It's a fairly short book, but not really an easy read. I did notice I had to go back and re-read a couple of times when I wasn't paying close enough attention to my reading. If you are looking for a good story that makes you think a little bit, this one is great!
The book is about two Chinese city boys who are going through "re-education" in the mountains. The man who is the leader of the village where they are being re-educated sends them off to watch movies so they can then return to the mountain village and re-tell the stories. We are also introduced to the little Chinese seamstress, who becomes the boyfriend of one of the boys. She is also enamored with their storytelling, and her life is greatly changed because of it.
It's a fairly short book, but not really an easy read. I did notice I had to go back and re-read a couple of times when I wasn't paying close enough attention to my reading. If you are looking for a good story that makes you think a little bit, this one is great!
ozblom24's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bldinmt's review against another edition
3.0
I'd consider giving this book a four-star rating except for the ending.... which makes it land quite firmly in the three-stars.
meganaj's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
cluckingbell's review against another edition
3.0
Engaging and quick little read, but its brevity may be its weakness for me. While I enjoyed the bright and clean writing style, there just wasn't enough depth to deliver on the (potential but not fully realized) themes. I do, however, feel compelled to read some Balzac now...or something else with the depth I prefer.
reneesanatomy's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Classism, Abortion, and Body horror