Scan barcode
derpitude's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
hrududil's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this as a parallel to the film. Definitely glad I watched it first as the film goes into a lot more depth of their childhood, but this adds new depth especially from the Cultural Revolution onwards.
t4n33sh4's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
god that ending…
kimball_hansen's review against another edition
2.0
I don't read Chinese books very often. It was hard for me to tell what parts of the book were part of the Play and what were real life. Wikipedia did a lousy job assisting me too so I am at a loss. My reset button needs to be pushed. Jana help.
Last completed book for 2015! This puts me at a new company record - 114.
Last completed book for 2015! This puts me at a new company record - 114.
onesonicbite's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my favorite movies, so I had to read the book. The book and movie are interesting combo. The movie referenced the book several times, but cuts out many parts of the plot for time purposes. I thought this was an interesting approach to adapting a book since so many fans of the book get angry with how much a movie will cut out. But cutting out parts of the story, but put references, it leaves the viewer satisfied with the translation.
th3chariot33r's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
dannybailey's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
a_verthandi's review against another edition
5.0
This is a re-read of a book I originally read for class. Like many translated books, it has a sense that something is missing from the language, or that it's slightly stilted/artificial. Here, though, it actually works. After all, the novel is about the blending between art and life. It's short and it moves like a play or film. It's also a good companion to those seeking to learn about 20th century Chinese history.
Oh, and the movie is good too.
Oh, and the movie is good too.
catandherbooks's review against another edition
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Miscarriage and Suicide attempt