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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
Thanks to NetGalley and to Macmillan Audio for the preview copy of this audio book.
I wasn't sure what to expect, not knowing the author. At first, I thought it was going to focus more on human trafficking, but as it progressed and the main character transformed over and over again- it was clear that this was not about misogyny, but clearly showed anti-Chinese discrimination in the US. Unfortunately, this did not end in the 1880s, but is still alive and growing today.
As a novel, the storyline carries one along, with this multi-faceted main character. However, it is so much more effective as a history lesson, as it is based on a real hanging of 5 Chinese men in Idaho.
Highly recommended.
I wasn't sure what to expect, not knowing the author. At first, I thought it was going to focus more on human trafficking, but as it progressed and the main character transformed over and over again- it was clear that this was not about misogyny, but clearly showed anti-Chinese discrimination in the US. Unfortunately, this did not end in the 1880s, but is still alive and growing today.
As a novel, the storyline carries one along, with this multi-faceted main character. However, it is so much more effective as a history lesson, as it is based on a real hanging of 5 Chinese men in Idaho.
Highly recommended.
Oh my, I wasn’t expecting such an ending to be honest! Definitely be ready for struggles and depressing topics when you go into this one. But also be ready for a character and story full of heart and words that need to be heard. The writing here kept me rapt, so many small details woven throughout the tale that all connect, just like the tapestries of the tale. Like Daiyu ponderings on the Chinese characters of words, their individual meaning as well as combined meanings, and the very meanings behind the calligraphy strokes themselves. Then there’s the folklore aspects that wind throughout, creating a magical realism that is certainly part escape but how much of which is Internal of external cannot be pinpointed.
A lot here also on identity, names, creating our own stories, building off the stories of our ancestors and others who came before us, striking out on your own, taking risks for the things that matter the most, the cruel hypocrisy of humanity, and so much more.
A lot here also on identity, names, creating our own stories, building off the stories of our ancestors and others who came before us, striking out on your own, taking risks for the things that matter the most, the cruel hypocrisy of humanity, and so much more.
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
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
The overlap of this book and my BA in history was quite surprising.
Incredibly heartbreaking.
Incredibly heartbreaking.
I want to begin with how beautifully written this book is - it is poetic. I could close my eyes and picture everything perfectly and feel things fully. This book will stay with me for a while because it is simply a beautiful yet sad book. This books reckons with the anti-Chinese legislation, xenophobia, and racism that was so prominent during this time period and this book will break your heart. I think people when reading about atrocities committed in the US also want the stories to end with hope because it makes it easier to digest, but the reality is that not every story ends happily so while that made this book hard for me to consume, it made it even more important to read. I rate this around 4.25 but rounding up because the writing is just strong.