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earthier's review against another edition
1.0
This was challenging to read, although that might be the authors intention. I’m not familiar with the game Go, and maybe that’s why I struggled to understand what was going on. The story jumped and it has difficult to even know who the speaker was as the changes of perspective were so abrupt. Two pages and one character and then one page as the next. I was up for the challenge initially because I was so fond of Empress but this was disorienting to say the least even after 50 pages in.
betag1013's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Genocide, Grief, Gun violence, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Vomit, Xenophobia, Blood, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Toxic friendship, Violence, Child death, Miscarriage, Rape, Adult/minor relationship, Abandonment, Abortion, Classism, Infertility, Colonisation, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Death, Sexual violence, Pregnancy, and War
Moderate: Alcohol
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
In a small town in Manchuria in the 1930s, a 16-year-old girl is more concerned with her daily game of go and her fledgling romantic relationship with a dissident student, than she is with the potential for war with Japan. She is a master at the game, surprising for one so young (and a girl, no less). One day a stranger challenges her. Their game continues for days; they rarely speak, never introduce themselves, and she does not know that he is a Japanese soldier in disguise.
The novel is told in alternating points of view, yet both are related in first person. It took me a few chapters to get into the rhythm of the work, but the author remains consistent; first the girl, then the soldier. The chapters are short and I had little trouble telling which character was narrating.
I’m glad that Shan Sa included footnotes on the Japanese and Chinese history, because my own education in this is woefully lacking. I wish I understood more about the game of go, though I do know that it is a game of strategy.
What really shines in the novel, however, is how the characters come to life. The reader witnesses the headlong rush of first love, the despair of a broken relationship, the longing for understanding and/or deeper connection, the yearning for home, the desire to break away, the realization of a misguided decision. I was engrossed in their lives, and completely stunned by the ending.
The novel is told in alternating points of view, yet both are related in first person. It took me a few chapters to get into the rhythm of the work, but the author remains consistent; first the girl, then the soldier. The chapters are short and I had little trouble telling which character was narrating.
I’m glad that Shan Sa included footnotes on the Japanese and Chinese history, because my own education in this is woefully lacking. I wish I understood more about the game of go, though I do know that it is a game of strategy.
What really shines in the novel, however, is how the characters come to life. The reader witnesses the headlong rush of first love, the despair of a broken relationship, the longing for understanding and/or deeper connection, the yearning for home, the desire to break away, the realization of a misguided decision. I was engrossed in their lives, and completely stunned by the ending.
mitchellreed's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
ellephuonglinhnguyen's review against another edition
4.0
I try very hard to keep my eyes open so that I can look at my beloved.
kayleem93's review against another edition
2.0
Perfectly enjoyable but left no lasting impression nor did it evoke any strong emotions. I would recommend for a quick read that doesn't read quire much concentration or attention.
freddie's review against another edition
4.0
The ending is crazy and a bit messed up. The whole novel starts very grounded but as it progresses it becomes more and more chaotic and dreamy. The short chapters do make the pacing feel fast though, and sometimes it makes the alternating switches between POV a bit dizzying.