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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
absolutely loved this book. Went into this blind and it was not at all what i was expecting it to be. Was intrigued with all the characters and multiple plot lines and how it all tied together.
If your heroine trips as she is trying to get away from a man she loves but is pushing away, and then falls into his arms, I have to rate your book at the lower end of the spectrum.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What a disappointing book. I am surprised by the lack of authenticity in this book that I sometimes wonder if there was any research done at all.
Firstly, I'm so bothered by the use of the name "Jasmine" instead of her original, Chinese name (which flew over my head because the audiobook pronunciation was also terrible. I'm guessing it's just mòli, probably? Then there's the childhood friend, Anthony, who somehow only has an English name because his family had been wanting him to move to America since he was born. What? You CANNOT have only an English name in China as a Chinese person, let alone in a rural area. Either you choose your own Chinese name or you get a Mandarin-ized version of your English name. The evil husba d has a weird, one-syllable name, which, again, is not the norm in China. Damnit.
Names aside, everything about this book also feels very stereotypical. I'm tired of everyone thinking Chinese people will throw away all the daughters just because of the one-child policy. Especially considering that the people involved aren't really uneducated people from rural area. The whole premise of the evil husband doing that was because he wanted a male heir, but then again the logic doesn't add up since he didn't legally marry Jasmine, and he's a very powerful and wealthy man and he could've easily had Jasmine get abortion (which is legal, bu the way, unlike in your beautiful America) or pay the fine. Either way, it didn't make sense for him to wait until Fiona was birthed to then throw her away without Jasmine's knowledge. Absurd.
What's with the title, by the way? I don't think Jasmine is considered a "leftover woman" in this context, since it's mainly terms for unmarried women in late 20s, not someone that somehow was married very young and proceeded to get people be very obsessed, which brings me to my next complaint.
The whole plot is also driven by everyone being obsessed with Jasmine. If you read it you'll know.
Overall, a book clearly written for a non-Chinese audience, with illogical plot.
Firstly, I'm so bothered by the use of the name "Jasmine" instead of her original, Chinese name (which flew over my head because the audiobook pronunciation was also terrible. I'm guessing it's just mòli, probably? Then there's the childhood friend, Anthony, who somehow only has an English name because his family had been wanting him to move to America since he was born. What? You CANNOT have only an English name in China as a Chinese person, let alone in a rural area. Either you choose your own Chinese name or you get a Mandarin-ized version of your English name. The evil husba d has a weird, one-syllable name, which, again, is not the norm in China. Damnit.
Names aside, everything about this book also feels very stereotypical. I'm tired of everyone thinking Chinese people will throw away all the daughters just because of the one-child policy. Especially considering that the people involved aren't really uneducated people from rural area. The whole premise of the evil husband doing that was because he wanted a male heir, but then again the logic doesn't add up since he didn't legally marry Jasmine, and he's a very powerful and wealthy man and he could've easily had Jasmine get abortion (which is legal, bu the way, unlike in your beautiful America) or pay the fine. Either way, it didn't make sense for him to wait until Fiona was birthed to then throw her away without Jasmine's knowledge. Absurd.
What's with the title, by the way? I don't think Jasmine is considered a "leftover woman" in this context, since it's mainly terms for unmarried women in late 20s, not someone that somehow was married very young and proceeded to get people be very obsessed, which brings me to my next complaint.
The whole plot is also driven by everyone being obsessed with Jasmine. If you read it you'll know.
Overall, a book clearly written for a non-Chinese audience, with illogical plot.
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
I read this family drama/literary fiction novel in less than two days and really enjoyed the dual perspectives from polar opposite characters (a poor Chinese immigrant and a wealthy white, New York editor). While this book explores themes of race, privilege, friendship, and unconditional love, the role of women as mothers, lovers, wives, and in society at large is at the crux of the story. This is a beautiful illustration of the strength, resilience, and intelligence of two distinct women in an unfair world that still makes women doubt their worth and identity. The prologue and epilogue are so beautifully written and touched me deeply. I love when I close a book with a sigh and a smile as I did with this one.
emotional
hopeful
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:
Complicated
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes