A review by bethanyconnie
Bury What We Cannot Take by Kirstin Chen
4.0
For those interested in Chinese history or just want a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this book tells a very personal story about a family torn apart both physically and emotionally in the time of Chairman Mao. Physically, Seok Koon and San San were separated by a country border. Emotionally, Seok Koon was doing everything in her power to get her daughter back to her, while at the same time San San felt abandoned by her family and unwanted.
I felt so much empathy for San San because of all she went through despite being a very young girl. She dealt with rejection both from her family and from Gor and Auntie and witnessed traumatic events including the death of the only people that she felt could help her.
Ah Liam fits in with the theme of feeling torn. He wasn’t sure whether to honor his duty of supporting his country and the ideals his schooling had taught him or to honor his family. Despite his feelings of loyalty to China, he was devoted to his sister.
Another interesting relationship to watch was between Seok Koon and Bee Kim. Related only by marriage, the two women did not always get along but were unified in their goal to get San San home to Hong Kong.
Though the ending felt a bit abrupt, I really enjoyed the book and its balance between unity and separation. I look forward to reading future books by Kirstin Chen.
I felt so much empathy for San San because of all she went through despite being a very young girl. She dealt with rejection both from her family and from Gor and Auntie and witnessed traumatic events including the death of the only people that she felt could help her.
Ah Liam fits in with the theme of feeling torn. He wasn’t sure whether to honor his duty of supporting his country and the ideals his schooling had taught him or to honor his family. Despite his feelings of loyalty to China, he was devoted to his sister.
Another interesting relationship to watch was between Seok Koon and Bee Kim. Related only by marriage, the two women did not always get along but were unified in their goal to get San San home to Hong Kong.
Though the ending felt a bit abrupt, I really enjoyed the book and its balance between unity and separation. I look forward to reading future books by Kirstin Chen.