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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
The Vagrants was a very good book.
While painting a picture of post-Cultural Revolution China, Li populates the novel with a diverse set of characters between whom she very cleverly draws tenuous--but ultimately crucial--relationships. Some of these characters' stories are stronger than others but each individual--even the really creepy guy--is believable as a human being. The big reveal at the end of the book was executed almost casually... and was devastating.
I might have liked this story better if it had been written in a more overtly fictional dystopian form. But I know that would be missing the point because this dystopia was/is tragically real.
While painting a picture of post-Cultural Revolution China, Li populates the novel with a diverse set of characters between whom she very cleverly draws tenuous--but ultimately crucial--relationships. Some of these characters' stories are stronger than others but each individual--even the really creepy guy--is believable as a human being. The big reveal at the end of the book was executed almost casually... and was devastating.
I might have liked this story better if it had been written in a more overtly fictional dystopian form. But I know that would be missing the point because this dystopia was/is tragically real.
dark
sad
medium-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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'd rate it higher but the grooming/CSA was a bit much for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse
Moderate: Child abuse
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
tense
4.25
very solid historical fiction. when it comes to events centered historical fiction this is the best one i've read all year. i def want to pick up more China based historical fiction. this book was also a nice reminder of how much I enjoy Chinese history.
very solid historical fiction. when it comes to events centered historical fiction this is the best one i've read all year. i def want to pick up more China based historical fiction. this book was also a nice reminder of how much I enjoy Chinese history.
Some of these books really should come with a graphic content warning.
The characters were interesting and the drama of a chinese village working through communism was fabulous- but the absolutely appalling scenes of cruelty throughout the book toward the helpless specifically just ruined it for me.
The characters were interesting and the drama of a chinese village working through communism was fabulous- but the absolutely appalling scenes of cruelty throughout the book toward the helpless specifically just ruined it for me.
Beautiful book, but also a serious downer from cover to cover.
Delicately written, horrifying account of lives in post Mao (just) China. There are very few moments of hope but my sympathy for the characters ran deep.