Reviews

Tomorrow in Shanghai by May-lee Chai

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tonythep's review

4.0

In two of the most memorable stories from her new collection, May-Lee Chai puts us in situations that most of us couldn't possibly imagine being in. One involves an execution and one takes place on a Martian colony. But the deftness of her writing places us just as assuredly in the heads and hearts of these characters as any other. Throughout the book, Chai lead us on explorations of love and longing, and prejudice and patriarchy across the spectrum of the Chinese diaspora. If you've ever felt like an outsider, been separated from a loved one, or had a difficult relationship with a family member, you'll likely find yourself in these characters. Even if you find yourself on Mars!

soj19's review

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

davinareads's review

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reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This felt like a book with half finished story ideas

Like
- I love the short stories shared from different kids growing up Chinese
- Quick read with potential for their individual stories to become something more

Dislike
- Because they are short stories, it always feels incomplete when they end. Nothing really wraps up
- The same themes are repeated through the short stories with similar characters and actions
- They feel more like story ideas rather than an actually short story with an ending