but_then_you_read's review
2.0
Oh how desperately I wanted to fall into this book. It was my first Pingwa, and from the moment I read the summary I was itching to start it. And then I did start it, and it went downhill from there.
To put it simply, I just don’t understand the purpose of this book. I realize that most likely stems from me, but hey, it’s my review. The four stories felt so disjointed, and I couldn’t understand what any of them were trying to convey. Yes it was a nice look into some lesser known parts of Chinese history, and while historical fiction is my go to, if a mediocre history lesson was all I was looking for I would’ve picked up a textbook. I was hoping for a sort of mythical, folklore-esque telling of Chinese old wives’ tales, mixed with fiction. I realize that this expectation is a key factor in the letdown that it ended up being, but honestly even if I didn’t have any expectations this would’ve had a hard time maintaining my interest.
Considering I speedread three quarters of this book, I don’t deny that I may have missed some intricacies that would add some depth to it. But honestly, it was running a high risk of landing on my did-not-finish shelf, so speedreading it was. The only reason it’s not a 1 star for me was the excitement I had for starting what I thought would be an excellent read, and that it did offer real perspectives of certain moments of Chinese history.
A miss for me.
To put it simply, I just don’t understand the purpose of this book. I realize that most likely stems from me, but hey, it’s my review. The four stories felt so disjointed, and I couldn’t understand what any of them were trying to convey. Yes it was a nice look into some lesser known parts of Chinese history, and while historical fiction is my go to, if a mediocre history lesson was all I was looking for I would’ve picked up a textbook. I was hoping for a sort of mythical, folklore-esque telling of Chinese old wives’ tales, mixed with fiction. I realize that this expectation is a key factor in the letdown that it ended up being, but honestly even if I didn’t have any expectations this would’ve had a hard time maintaining my interest.
Considering I speedread three quarters of this book, I don’t deny that I may have missed some intricacies that would add some depth to it. But honestly, it was running a high risk of landing on my did-not-finish shelf, so speedreading it was. The only reason it’s not a 1 star for me was the excitement I had for starting what I thought would be an excellent read, and that it did offer real perspectives of certain moments of Chinese history.
A miss for me.
pagesandquotes__'s review
3.0
This is a story of the Mountain Whisperer. A man who has seen it all and still looks younger than everyone. He goes to the funerals of people and sings to make sure that their souls are at peace. It is a warm and compelling story. It is filled with rich and vivid details about the formation of People's Republic. The story was so visual that I could feel myself transfer back in time to the place where it was all happening.
I loved my journey with this book. Even though I am a fantasy reader and I am more about dialogues and communication - this book was still a winner. If you are someone who wishes to read more about the culture and history of countries, this book is a piece of art you should definitely give it a chance.
This was my first read on China and it's culture. It felt fresh and peaceful except some of the very disturbing death scenes. I am absolutely glad that I gave this book a chance.
I loved my journey with this book. Even though I am a fantasy reader and I am more about dialogues and communication - this book was still a winner. If you are someone who wishes to read more about the culture and history of countries, this book is a piece of art you should definitely give it a chance.
This was my first read on China and it's culture. It felt fresh and peaceful except some of the very disturbing death scenes. I am absolutely glad that I gave this book a chance.
meaghanreadshfx's review
5.0
I really loved everything about this book! The Mountain Whisperer by Jia Pingwa and Christopher Payne is excellent storytelling at its finest. A Mountain Whisperer is a funeral singer and as they lay dying, they tell tales of Modern China. This was a very wise and amazing read.
hilaryreadsbooks's review
Loved the premise of this book: a set of histories told by a dying mountain whisper, paired with the descriptions of the land. The author writes in the afterword that centuries ago these same mountains and rivers that exist in the present may have been occupied by fantastical creatures, animals, and humans--and he seeks to bring back some of that wonder and truth in mythology through writing about these histories. These histories felt particularly close to me because my roots are in Shaanxi Province, and I have been to its mountains, where my ancestors are buried.
However, I struggled with the storytelling. The plot in each individual storyline felt rushed, abrupt, and at times random--the characters hard to connect with. While I understand that this is how oral histories are typically told, as a reader of a physical book, it was hard to feel any of the magic these myths may have held.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
However, I struggled with the storytelling. The plot in each individual storyline felt rushed, abrupt, and at times random--the characters hard to connect with. While I understand that this is how oral histories are typically told, as a reader of a physical book, it was hard to feel any of the magic these myths may have held.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Gore
Minor: Rape
More...