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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
As someone who was born and raises in the US, had parents born and raised in the U.S. I think it is sometimes hard to understand the immigrant story. That's why books like this are important. Yes, it may be fictional but it tells the story of what people face in other countries, what they flee from and how coming to America is not as simple and easy as it sounds. This was a very good read.
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this novel. It took a while for me to warm up to it because it was so sad at the start, but the characters are so well developed I feel they will stay with me for some time. In addition, I learned quite a bit about China, Taiwan, and the 20th century conflicts, even though I'm embarrassed that I knew so little at the start.
A beautiful, moving story of a family following multiple generations who work to leave their pasts behind them, yet find it’s their pasts that hold them together.
4.5 - this book was so so good! The story and the language were beautiful and the way it seamlessly transitioned between characters was amazing. I also didn’t realize how relatable this book would be to me as a first gen Mexican American. I really emphasized with Lily and it became a very touching read. Honestly very very impressed by the author as well considering this is their debut!!! Well done!
An impressively accomplished debut novel, which has taken a daunting concept - a sweeping multi-generational story of two vastly different cultures and created a vivid and moving story. It concentrates on the violent and tumultuous period in China from 1938 to the late 20th century and through three generations of the same family chronicles the story of their arduous journeys through the chaos and destruction of war, political upheaval, exodus and emotional reckonings of an equally turbulent nature. Melissa Fu (a Chinese American) has taken as a basis for the book some of her own family history but used that only as an embarkation point for the fictional narrative. Interwoven with the story is the theme of re-awakenings, as symbolised by peach blossom trees and this, together with the colourful folklore and vibrant descriptions of Chinese culture, enriches the book.
As a young wife, Meilin's bright future is cut short as the Japanese army approaches in 1938 in China. Forced to flee with her 4-year-old son, Renshu, and her brother-in-law's family, Meilin travels through a ravaged country seeking refuge. Traversing 70 years, PEACH BLOSSOM SPRING follows three generations of the Dao family from living in China during the Japanese invasion, escaping to Taiwan as communism took over, and immigrating to America. Beautifully written with heartbreaking yet hopeful prose, PEACH BLOSSOM SPRING is a bold debut exploring modern Chinese and Taiwanese history and the power of storytelling.
I love everything about PEACH BLOSSOM SPRING; from the chronological narrative to the focus on the Dao family during WW2, Fu explores the rich & complex history and masterfully weaves together the threads of family & identity.
The theme of fractured families and unexplained pasts also resonated deeply with me. While I understand the curiosity to learn the stories of one's ancestors, my heart aches for the countless lives lost during the Japanese invasion of China and the KMT's martial law rule in Taiwan. I adore the research that went into writing this book, especially the nuance between Benshengren (本省人) and Waishengren (外省人), and the intricacies of why families don't talk about their pasts for fear of political prosecution. PEACH BLOSSOM SPRING is a poignant reminder that our histories and complex and often filled with gaps.
As someone who grew up in Taipei and attended NTU, I relish the section where Meilin and Renshu explore the city and Renshu's undergrad days. There is something so special about reading a book set in a place I know well, and I find myself transported back to my time in Taipei & NTU while reading.
PEACH BLOSSOM SPRING is a gorgeous debut that explores family, identity, and belonging. It is a must-read for anyone interested in modern Chinese/Taiwanese history and family secrets. It is a book that will stay with me after I've finished reading it.
I love everything about PEACH BLOSSOM SPRING; from the chronological narrative to the focus on the Dao family during WW2, Fu explores the rich & complex history and masterfully weaves together the threads of family & identity.
The theme of fractured families and unexplained pasts also resonated deeply with me. While I understand the curiosity to learn the stories of one's ancestors, my heart aches for the countless lives lost during the Japanese invasion of China and the KMT's martial law rule in Taiwan. I adore the research that went into writing this book, especially the nuance between Benshengren (本省人) and Waishengren (外省人), and the intricacies of why families don't talk about their pasts for fear of political prosecution. PEACH BLOSSOM SPRING is a poignant reminder that our histories and complex and often filled with gaps.
As someone who grew up in Taipei and attended NTU, I relish the section where Meilin and Renshu explore the city and Renshu's undergrad days. There is something so special about reading a book set in a place I know well, and I find myself transported back to my time in Taipei & NTU while reading.
PEACH BLOSSOM SPRING is a gorgeous debut that explores family, identity, and belonging. It is a must-read for anyone interested in modern Chinese/Taiwanese history and family secrets. It is a book that will stay with me after I've finished reading it.
Spanning three countries and three generations, Peach Blossom Spring was about the things people sacrifice to carve out a new life of hope for their family. I found the history fascinating and learned a lot about Taiwan and the Taiwanese American experience. I liked it better when I read the author’s note that she had based it on her own father’s life. A solid, well-written read.
Reading this reminded me of the classic American Hallmark movie. A young adult escaping back to her small hometown to start over after a public drama that her family feels uncomfortable about. The story from the start was a little predictable. I have filled plenty of guilty pleasure hours of watching this type of movie on the Hallmark channel. The love story, the return to the roots and people who come to love the main character no matter what she does. I took longer than normal to finish this book, maybe because I already predicted the end.