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logikitty's review against another edition
will be returning to this one; it's just on the backburner!
sadiereadsagain's review against another edition
4.0
It's been a while since I've read a short story collection. They can sometimes be hit or miss, and even good collections tend to have a few dud stories. But I liked every tale in this collection (if we ignore the insulting resolution of the one about the unwanted pregnancy). The strong sense of culture was the backbone of the book, and each story was tinged with a dose of heartbreak. The writing was beautiful without being flowery. A really good read.
foggy_rosamund's review against another edition
4.0
A masterful collection of short stories that touch on the lives of people living in modern China. Yiyun Li captures the hypocrisy and cruelty of the communist regime, and the trauma and poverty that exist in its aftermath. Li's writing is spare and direct, and she gives us a diverse portrait of humanity, describing her characters with empathy and clarity. I read these rapidly, but there is much to think about here.
beckyramone's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
steveatwaywords's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This is my first encounter with Li's work, and I am drawn instantly to the layers of complexity she navigates with sensitivity and intimacy, the lives of people earnestly struggling with tradition, the responsibility of dignity, global ennui, and governments corrupt enough to value none of it. At the heart of her stories are relationships, usually family, and the misaligned perceptions which motivate each character into honest pain.
There are few characters here one can renounce, several worthy of our sympathies, and none who walk completely blameless paths. Each of us is a creation of complicated pasts, flawed thinking, and our own choices. And while it may not be karma, exactly, which brings consequences back to our door, there is a certain inevitability to it.
Each story is beautifully crafted, twining past and present, micro from macro, to momentary resolution. Time to find more of her writing.
There are few characters here one can renounce, several worthy of our sympathies, and none who walk completely blameless paths. Each of us is a creation of complicated pasts, flawed thinking, and our own choices. And while it may not be karma, exactly, which brings consequences back to our door, there is a certain inevitability to it.
Each story is beautifully crafted, twining past and present, micro from macro, to momentary resolution. Time to find more of her writing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Sexual content
not_mike's review against another edition
5.0
Short story collection.
Extra
After a life
Immortality
The princess of nebraska
Love in the marketplace.
Extra
After a life
Immortality
The princess of nebraska
Love in the marketplace.
cordeliamartin's review
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gore, Gun violence, Blood, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Confinement, Abandonment, Grief, Bullying, Child abuse, and Death
Moderate: Classism, Hate crime, Infidelity, Murder, Chronic illness, Pregnancy, Religious bigotry, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Abortion
Minor: Addiction
learns2trust's review against another edition
Meant to read for a book club i didnt attend and i truly couldnt be bothered after