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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
I was really disappointed by the book but I think that’s because I was expecting it to be as great as Pachinko and it just fell short. The characters were pretty flat and the story felt too rushed to get invested in. I might have enjoyed it more if my expectations weren’t so high.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
emotional
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:
Yes
emotional
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I don't normally write reviews, but this one hits pretty hard. So much trauma, regret and sorrow, but a satisfying, if not happy ending. Get your tissues for this one. I was almost ugly tear crying at the end.
It kept trying to hit the mark but kept narrowly missed it. Love the stories from the scroll and the relentless pursue of happiness. It also made me realised the cultural trauma generations of overseas Chinese people suffered and why this love of homeland attitude still prevail today.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
dark
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The book starts out strong. Meilin develops a deep, compelling character, and it's captivating to follow her journey. However, the book loses its momentum whenever the focus shifts to Renshu/Henry. Henry is closed off, and it's hard to feel a connection to his character. The same goes for Lily, who doesn't really grow out of her role as a child. It's frustrating that Meilin has to die before Lily finally learns anything about Henry's past.
The slow pacing is just right at first, but after the first third of the book, it becomes draggy. Ironically, the ending then feels rushed with too much plot happening at once.
The book's blurb is misleading.We eagerly await the peach orchard that Meilin wishes for, but it only appears in the epilogue.
I did find the insights into Chinese history and its refugees interesting, and the story's development certainly feels authentic. Nevertheless, I would not recommend the book overall.
The slow pacing is just right at first, but after the first third of the book, it becomes draggy. Ironically, the ending then feels rushed with too much plot happening at once.
The book's blurb is misleading.
I did find the insights into Chinese history and its refugees interesting, and the story's development certainly feels authentic. Nevertheless, I would not recommend the book overall.