Scan barcode
A review by angelsbeforeman
Bliss Montage by Ling Ma
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
the point of these stories is perfectly explained in a quote from the book: "it is in the most surreal situations that a person feels the most present, the closest to reality." the stories feel like they're taking you through truly insane endeavors such as a lady who lives with her husband and a hundred ex-boyfriends.
it still deals with the issues that people face every day. many of them are specific to, but not exclusive to, asian women. this is a common theme in contemporary east asian literature - the archetype of a lonely woman who doesn't know her exact place in society.
another common theme is detachment from reality, feeling like you're floating through life unaware of how time passes or what you're supposed to do. it also explores themes of motherhood and how it can impact you both positively and negatively.
the book touches on culture a lot - what is expected of a woman in east asian culture, but also how not being from america can make you feel alienated. another reason to read this book is that ling ma has a very unique writing style that i really really love.
it still deals with the issues that people face every day. many of them are specific to, but not exclusive to, asian women. this is a common theme in contemporary east asian literature - the archetype of a lonely woman who doesn't know her exact place in society.
another common theme is detachment from reality, feeling like you're floating through life unaware of how time passes or what you're supposed to do. it also explores themes of motherhood and how it can impact you both positively and negatively.
the book touches on culture a lot - what is expected of a woman in east asian culture, but also how not being from america can make you feel alienated. another reason to read this book is that ling ma has a very unique writing style that i really really love.