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cmcrockford's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Well thats just a perfect novel isn't it
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, War, Violence, Sexual violence, and Death of parent
remainsofabook's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Rather than historical fiction, I think Peach Blossom Paradise falls more into the category of literary fiction. Readers get glimpses into the revolutionary periods of late 19th century China, which ultimately led to the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the last of the dynastic rule. However, the purpose of the book is never to discuss the history.
Peach Blossom Paradise is split into 4 parts. Parts 1 and 2 anchor the theme of idealism by introducing characters that are obsessed with the idea of building a paradise and also, the men's obsession with the protagonist, Xiumi. Parts 3 and 4 are meandering and may be an anti-climatic closure to some. Objectively a 4 or 4.5 stars but in my heart, this book is a 5. I really love it. It is a spectacular, and beautifully written, contemporary take on old Chinese fables and philosophy.
Peach Blossom Paradise is split into 4 parts. Parts 1 and 2 anchor the theme of idealism by introducing characters that are obsessed with the idea of building a paradise and also, the men's obsession with the protagonist, Xiumi. Parts 3 and 4 are meandering and may be an anti-climatic closure to some. Objectively a 4 or 4.5 stars but in my heart, this book is a 5. I really love it. It is a spectacular, and beautifully written, contemporary take on old Chinese fables and philosophy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Rape, and Violence
Moderate: Murder
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