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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
emotional
sad
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
One of the best books I have read in a long time. This novel closely follows the life journeys of the author's own family. I always enjoy a book that teaches me something about the world. This one, set against the backdrop of the Sino-Japanese War and Chinese Revolution has themes of resilience in the face of great danger and tragedy, triumph of the spirit and survival. The characters are well rounded, real people--there is even something to like in the antagonists and villains. No one is perfect. No one is entirely evil, just like in real life.
I love the author's use of certain devices that are seamlessly woven into the story: a silk hand-scroll that you unroll scene by scene, revealing stories that help the characters through traumatic times. A peach grove that reflects the novel's title and echoes one of the stories in the scroll.
This is a novel that will remain with me for many weeks, months and years to come.
I love the author's use of certain devices that are seamlessly woven into the story: a silk hand-scroll that you unroll scene by scene, revealing stories that help the characters through traumatic times. A peach grove that reflects the novel's title and echoes one of the stories in the scroll.
This is a novel that will remain with me for many weeks, months and years to come.
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
the first half of this book is incredibly strong and the characters feel tangible. once Renshu grows up and moves to America, he becomes insufferable. i also did not end up liking Lily’s perspective either. i appreciated touching on the paranoia and difficulty of finding a sense of belonging. it feels like we are being held at an arms length from the characters from the second half on which is something i really dislike. i read books with a premise like this to feel what the characters are feeling and i just did not get that from this book. i also thought it had a very unsatisfying ending. overall, okay with some redeeming qualities.
This was a great book. I enjoyed the generational story and the move from China to the US for Henry, and the other half of the story with Meilin who stays behind in China. We learn a lot of history of China and the war with Japan. Interwoven in the history and Meilin's hope to get Renshu/Henry out of the China while she can is the stories she tells him from a special family scroll. Overall the book is well written and the story well told. Henry's character gets a little harsh mid/late book, but it evens out as the story progresses.
Melissa Fu’s debut novel Peach Blossom Spring takes readers into the tumultuous history of China, from the Japanese invasion to contemporary times, through several generations of a Chinese family. Those unfamiliar with the historic background will find the story illuminating. The trauma of war and the lives of refugees struggling to survive is balanced with stories of people helping each other, becoming a makeshift family. The novel also takes us to America and the difficulties of an immigrant student learning to bridge cultures, fearful of becoming political, which would lead to repercussions for family back in China.
The novel begins in 1938. Meilin’s husband does not return from the war with Japan, but her brother-in-law does and he extends his protection over her and her son, the only male heir in the Dao family. Her sister-in-law resents her presence. Their comfortable life quickly ends when the city is engulfed in flames, and they must flee inland on a treacherous, long journey. Their new home also is not safe for the Japanese planes arrive, and a tragedy forces the family to split.
Meilin will never again return ‘home’ again; she must adopt again and again as she travels across China seeking sanctuary. Her son Renshu grows up knowing the damages of war, but is a bright and studious boy. He attends university and gains entry to an American university, and afterwards, establishes his career in America. He marries an American woman and they have a daughter.
If Meilin’s story is one of survival, trauma, and resilience, her son’s story in America is one of PTSD and identity problems. His uncle had survived by navigating the shifting political sands of China, but he warned Renshu to avoid politics at all costs. It makes Renshu–now Henry in his new country–leery of socializing with other Chinese, uncertain of who might reporting back to the homeland. He represses his Chinese heritage and memories.
And that leads to his daughter Lily’s struggles with identity. She wants to know her heritage, she wants to hear stories of her father’s family and homeland. His reticence is a wedge between them. It also creates emotional distance with his wife.
The author was inspired by her own family history. I especially enjoyed how Fu used traditional Chinese folk stories to illuminate the Chinese cultural background and the challenges facing these characters. Meilin has a valuable scroll and tells the stories in contains to her son. Peach Blossom Spring is a fable about a man who finds a perfect place, but when he leaves he can’t find it again.
I received a free egalley from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.
The novel begins in 1938. Meilin’s husband does not return from the war with Japan, but her brother-in-law does and he extends his protection over her and her son, the only male heir in the Dao family. Her sister-in-law resents her presence. Their comfortable life quickly ends when the city is engulfed in flames, and they must flee inland on a treacherous, long journey. Their new home also is not safe for the Japanese planes arrive, and a tragedy forces the family to split.
Meilin will never again return ‘home’ again; she must adopt again and again as she travels across China seeking sanctuary. Her son Renshu grows up knowing the damages of war, but is a bright and studious boy. He attends university and gains entry to an American university, and afterwards, establishes his career in America. He marries an American woman and they have a daughter.
If Meilin’s story is one of survival, trauma, and resilience, her son’s story in America is one of PTSD and identity problems. His uncle had survived by navigating the shifting political sands of China, but he warned Renshu to avoid politics at all costs. It makes Renshu–now Henry in his new country–leery of socializing with other Chinese, uncertain of who might reporting back to the homeland. He represses his Chinese heritage and memories.
And that leads to his daughter Lily’s struggles with identity. She wants to know her heritage, she wants to hear stories of her father’s family and homeland. His reticence is a wedge between them. It also creates emotional distance with his wife.
The author was inspired by her own family history. I especially enjoyed how Fu used traditional Chinese folk stories to illuminate the Chinese cultural background and the challenges facing these characters. Meilin has a valuable scroll and tells the stories in contains to her son. Peach Blossom Spring is a fable about a man who finds a perfect place, but when he leaves he can’t find it again.
I received a free egalley from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Rape, War
4.5 stars. A multi-generational saga spanning 70 years, covering the history of modern China through three generations of the same family. A few of the later sections dragged slightly, but, overall, a compelling piece of historical fiction, well-written, and deeply researched. Hard to believe it’s a debut novel. Highly recommended!
I increased my rating from 4 to 5 stars. I realized I’ve been thinking about this book since I finished it.
Absolutely gorgeous - the first half was always going to be compelling but the second half with it's exploration of fear in the presence of presumed safety and then Lily struggling to connect was poignant and just as important imo
slow-paced