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dgirardot's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
For much of the book, the plot is enjoyable, if fairly unexceptional. However, the last quarter of the book sees an increase in emotional depth and nuance within the characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Dementia
Minor: Death and Death of parent
hilaryreadsbooks's review
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Sexual assault
bookmaddie's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.0
This story crept up on me. While Tang's writing drew me in from the first page, it took me awhile until I got invested in the story. The story is split between a present day timeline, where Yitian travels back to his home village from the United States to help his mother find his missing father, and a historical timeline, following Yitian growing up in the village.
It did take me awhile to warm to Yitian in the first half of the book, as he often comes off as rather selfish and short-sighted and it was hard for me to understand him. Being able to see Yitian's formative experiences in childhood and young adulthood gave context to adult Yitian's new conception of himself and his place within his family. The ending was a great sense of closure where both narratives tied together beautifully.
In the historical narrative, I especially loved Yitian as a high schooler as he got to know Hanwen, a girl from Shanghai who gets sent down to his village. Their young relationship was just really sweet, and Hanwen helped illuminate Yitian's character for me.
I'm so glad I stuck with this one. Tang has crafted a rolling, thoughtful novel of family, memory, and the unexpected paths our lives can take.
It did take me awhile to warm to Yitian in the first half of the book, as he often comes off as rather selfish and short-sighted and it was hard for me to understand him. Being able to see Yitian's formative experiences in childhood and young adulthood gave context to adult Yitian's new conception of himself and his place within his family. The ending was a great sense of closure where both narratives tied together beautifully.
In the historical narrative, I especially loved Yitian as a high schooler as he got to know Hanwen, a girl from Shanghai who gets sent down to his village. Their young relationship was just really sweet, and Hanwen helped illuminate Yitian's character for me.
I'm so glad I stuck with this one. Tang has crafted a rolling, thoughtful novel of family, memory, and the unexpected paths our lives can take.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
Moderate: Self harm
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