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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
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:
Yes
'Peach Blossom Spring' is a heartfelt historical fiction novel, in the vibe of 'Pachinko' by Min Jin Lee or 'Wandering Souls' by Cécile Pin, this time set in China, Taiwan and the US, as we follow Meilin and Renshu in their journey towards freedom. It starts with the war with Japan, moves to the Republic of China vs. People's Republic of China and the development of Taiwan, while the US is navigating their diplomatic relationships in this ever-changing political landscape.
Reading about the streets of Taipei, with Meilin living in an area that is only about a 20min walk from me was charming and cosy, and reading about its transformation through the decades, particularly during its evolution as a tech power in semicircuits and hardware took me on a journey.
But one of the most important themes is identity. In moving between these countries, Renshu is forced to redefine who he is to keep himself and his mother safe. His trauma responses manifest when it comes to what language he speaks, who he associates with and separating Renshu and Henry. This same exploration happens also with his child, who believes she is missing an anchor because Henry refuses to expose her to his heritage, considering that it leads to too much hurt. 'Do you need to know where you're coming from in order to think about where you want to go?'
I really enjoyed this book and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone interested in Chinese history. My only disappointment and the reason why this isn't a full 5 stars is I would have liked even more emotion. It felt like all the elements were there and that the author just didn't take it far enough, almost as if afraid of what she might find if she looks beyond the layer that the characters choose to show to the world.
Reading about the streets of Taipei, with Meilin living in an area that is only about a 20min walk from me was charming and cosy, and reading about its transformation through the decades, particularly during its evolution as a tech power in semicircuits and hardware took me on a journey.
But one of the most important themes is identity. In moving between these countries, Renshu is forced to redefine who he is to keep himself and his mother safe. His trauma responses manifest when it comes to what language he speaks, who he associates with and separating Renshu and Henry. This same exploration happens also with his child, who believes she is missing an anchor because Henry refuses to expose her to his heritage, considering that it leads to too much hurt. 'Do you need to know where you're coming from in order to think about where you want to go?'
I really enjoyed this book and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone interested in Chinese history. My only disappointment and the reason why this isn't a full 5 stars is I would have liked even more emotion. It felt like all the elements were there and that the author just didn't take it far enough, almost as if afraid of what she might find if she looks beyond the layer that the characters choose to show to the world.
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Three generations of the Dao family are shaped by the trauma of war and loss and the deep love they have for one another. I found the characters and their relationships super compelling. Beautiful writing, immersive, loved the folk tales told by Meilin throughout the book.
A beautiful story of the intergenerational effects of trauma caused by war.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Picked this up randomly in a bookstore while waiting to meet a friend and was hooked. Immediately requested it from the library and blew through it. I’m obviously a sucker for historical fiction and have recently had a specific fixation on Japan/Korea/China pre- and post-WWII. Reading this not long after finishing (and loving) Pachinko was great as I got more context on what East Asia looked like at the time, and compare the effects of Japanese imperialism in both countries (spoiler alert it was God awful for both). I learned a lot and enjoyed the journey over several decades!
I’m so happy this book found me. Meilin deserves the world <3
I’m so happy this book found me. Meilin deserves the world <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Child death, Racism, Xenophobia, Death of parent, War
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-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
I have to say Peach Blossom Spring is one of my top reads for 2022. I felt as if I was on a journey through this book, walking with Meilin and Renshu as they tried to find safety and freedom from the advancing Japanese army.
It was even more poignant for the situation currently in the Ukraine and the millions of refugees fleeing war. The parallels for the fleeing families are clear to see. Meilin, like any mother, sacrifices to ensure that her son is safe and well.
If you enjoy epic novels, sweeping decades, influenced by the history of the time, then this book is for you. 5 star all the way.
Thank you Netgalley for a free copy of the ebook in return for an honest review.
It was even more poignant for the situation currently in the Ukraine and the millions of refugees fleeing war. The parallels for the fleeing families are clear to see. Meilin, like any mother, sacrifices to ensure that her son is safe and well.
If you enjoy epic novels, sweeping decades, influenced by the history of the time, then this book is for you. 5 star all the way.
Thank you Netgalley for a free copy of the ebook in return for an honest review.
I have to say Peach Blossom Spring is one of my top reads for 2022. I felt as if I was on a journey through this book, walking with Meilin and Renshu as they tried to find safety and freedom from the advancing Japanese army.
It was even more poignant for the situation currently in the Ukraine and the millions of refugees fleeing war. The parallels for the fleeing families are clear to see. Meilin, like any mother, sacrifices to ensure that her son is safe and well.
If you enjoy epic novels, sweeping decades, influenced by the history of the time, then this book is for you. 5 star all the way.
Thank you Netgalley for a free copy of the ebook in return for an honest review.
It was even more poignant for the situation currently in the Ukraine and the millions of refugees fleeing war. The parallels for the fleeing families are clear to see. Meilin, like any mother, sacrifices to ensure that her son is safe and well.
If you enjoy epic novels, sweeping decades, influenced by the history of the time, then this book is for you. 5 star all the way.
Thank you Netgalley for a free copy of the ebook in return for an honest review.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No