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A review by backpackingbookworm
A Single Swallow by Ling Zhang
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
To begin, this book is beautifully translated and manages to perfectly capture the essence of Ah Yan and the three men who loved her in his own way. I really enjoyed the switching perspectives and the unique second-person life-after-death narrative. It gave the story a new dimension and very cleverly told the story of Ah Yan's life despite having no chapters delivered from her point of view.
The book explored multiple themes, including war, lust, honour, illness, and abuse, with each connecting Ah Yan to one of the narrators, depending on who experienced/witnessed the event(s) associated with each theme. It was very well constructed, however, I did feel like the ending was dragged out to the point where I did wonder if it was ever going to end.
I loved Ah Yan's character, her selflessness, her resilience, and her gracious nature to forgive despite being subjected to some of the most harrowing circumstances. I liked Pastor Billy but I wasn't as fond of the other narrators, especially after discovering how selfish each of their feelings was for Ah Yan. I do believe most redeemed themselves and felt a sense of guilt/failure in doing what was best for Ah Yan at the time rather than only thinking of themselves. It was good to see this character growth as each reflected on their memories with Ah Yan pre-death.
Overall an interesting novel that was beautifully written but just a little too long to keep my engagement levels as high as they were at the beginning of the novel.
Rating breakdown
The book explored multiple themes, including war, lust, honour, illness, and abuse, with each connecting Ah Yan to one of the narrators, depending on who experienced/witnessed the event(s) associated with each theme. It was very well constructed, however, I did feel like the ending was dragged out to the point where I did wonder if it was ever going to end.
I loved Ah Yan's character, her selflessness, her resilience, and her gracious nature to forgive despite being subjected to some of the most harrowing circumstances. I liked Pastor Billy but I wasn't as fond of the other narrators, especially after discovering how selfish each of their feelings was for Ah Yan. I do believe most redeemed themselves and felt a sense of guilt/failure in doing what was best for Ah Yan at the time rather than only thinking of themselves. It was good to see this character growth as each reflected on their memories with Ah Yan pre-death.
Overall an interesting novel that was beautifully written but just a little too long to keep my engagement levels as high as they were at the beginning of the novel.
Rating breakdown
- Plot/narrative - 3.8
- Writing style/readability - 4
- Characters - 3.9
- Diverse themes - 3.6
- Ending - 3.5
Overall - 3.8
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Animal death, Rape, and Sexual violence