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abroadeast's review against another edition
5.0
I pretty much devoured this in a couple of sittings, staying up until 3am last night - absolutely hooked. As a huge historical fiction fan, this was right up my alley. I go through reading slumps on a regular basis, but The Piano Teacher brought me right back out of my latest one. I am excited to read more of Lee's work :)
vickywong710's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
meaghandesigns's review against another edition
3.0
Lots of potential but never really got there. Middle was better than the beginning or the end. The 1940s story was more engaging than the 1950s making a stark juxtaposition between chapters. Enjoyed it but never grew to love it.
andymunster's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
ericadamore's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
scunareader's review against another edition
2.0
IMO, this book did not meet its potential, sadly. I felt like the main character (thus, title character), was inserted at the last minute as a deus ex machina to tell the story of the 40's. Maybe the author meant to do that. Maybe not. I didn't think any of the characters were well-written (maybe except for Trudy) and, at times, the story surrounding the role of the Japanese general and the Crown Collection was very confusing and disjointed. Or maybe I started skimming out of sheer boredom. In any case, Claire was the most boring, pushover-y, self-loathing woman I've ever encountered in a book of fiction, and my least favorite aspect of the book.
ljm57's review against another edition
3.0
Set in Hong Kong both during WWII and in the 50s. It was okay but probably didn't live up to my expectations. Didn't like the characters much.
janecoombes's review against another edition
3.0
Slow start and Disappointing ending. Middle was good though!! :-)
asteries's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kirstenrose22's review against another edition
3.0
I'm debating between 3 and 4 stars for this. I did like it - but some pieces didn't hang together as well as others. The 1940s storyline was far more compelling than the 1950s one - I found myself wondering why Lee had even bothered with the frame narrative (although by the end, it becomes a little more than a simple frame). The title is misleading and I think this book would be better served by another title. Still - fascinating and subtle and interesting.