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audreychiao's review against another edition
3.0
3/5 stars. This was clearly a researched story, and it felt like it. The author incorporated many details about the social-political context and historical background of neighborhoods to flesh out the experience that a young, lesbian, Chinese girl in SF would’ve experienced in the 1950s. This also included flashbacks to Lily’s mother’s and aunt’s pasts which could explain the reason for their actions and thoughts. However, this landed to me as the author telling me so that I have all the information I need, rather than crafting a story with fleshed out characters.
I didn’t feel any of the emotions I feel when reading a well-written coming of age story. There was so much potential, but it wasn’t executed well. I was interested in learning more about Lily’s family and the queer women she interacts with at the club. These characters and relationships were underdeveloped. Rather than feeling moved by these important relationships and moments, i felt stale. I still enjoyed the book nonetheless.
I didn’t feel any of the emotions I feel when reading a well-written coming of age story. There was so much potential, but it wasn’t executed well. I was interested in learning more about Lily’s family and the queer women she interacts with at the club. These characters and relationships were underdeveloped. Rather than feeling moved by these important relationships and moments, i felt stale. I still enjoyed the book nonetheless.
wigggleworm's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
loserlesbianlover's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
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
5.0
elenageo's review against another edition
5.0
I loved it. Thanks so much for writing this beautiful story.
walserq21's review against another edition
emotional
sad
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? It's complicated
2.75
wraskai's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really solid book. I enjoyed the main character, and the struggles between who she is and the environment she lives in. I blazed through it and would recommend it.
jenhurst's review against another edition
5.0
This book is exceptionally well written with a great atmosphere. Lily is a compelling protagonist, who stands up for herself. This is about being Chinese during the time of the red scare and being queer during that time as well. There isn’t a lot of books about the red scare, being Chinese in the 1900s or being queer at the time so the book felt really fresh.