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sam556889's review against another edition
4.0
I'd rate this a 4.5-star read. I usually am not a huge fan of this style of writing but the author was somehow able to keep my attention the entire time. It was a beautifully written tragic story that focused on the perspectives of a family coping with loss. If you like contemporary fiction or are looking for a shorter read I would suggest giving this book a try. This book makes me want to read more by this author.
oceanday8's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic writing. Tough story. There are no moments of levity found here. I wouldn't want to read it again but I would be interested in reading another story by this author.
clegath3's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Audiobook performed by Cassandra Campbell.
4****
From the book jacket: “Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet.” So begins this exquisite novel about a Chinese American family living in 1970s small-town Ohio. When Lydia’s body is found, the delicate balancing act that has been keeping the Lee family together is destroyed, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives struggle, all their lives, to understand one another
My reactions:
I love this kind of character-driven novel. Ng explores the nuances of family dynamics – how a parent’s own disappointments may translate into dreams for a child’s future, how a child may feel burdened by those dreams, how siblings may compete for or retreat from parental attention. More importantly, Ng looks at how everyone struggles to understand and love one another. And how large a role open communication (or lack of it) plays in our relationships.
Cassandra Campbell does a fine job narrating the audio version. She has good pacing, and I felt connected to the characters by her performance.
4****
From the book jacket: “Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet.” So begins this exquisite novel about a Chinese American family living in 1970s small-town Ohio. When Lydia’s body is found, the delicate balancing act that has been keeping the Lee family together is destroyed, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives struggle, all their lives, to understand one another
My reactions:
I love this kind of character-driven novel. Ng explores the nuances of family dynamics – how a parent’s own disappointments may translate into dreams for a child’s future, how a child may feel burdened by those dreams, how siblings may compete for or retreat from parental attention. More importantly, Ng looks at how everyone struggles to understand and love one another. And how large a role open communication (or lack of it) plays in our relationships.
Cassandra Campbell does a fine job narrating the audio version. She has good pacing, and I felt connected to the characters by her performance.
carlasahra's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
smailliweiluj's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
chelsinpdx's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
abbyreads2's review against another edition
5.0
I'm speechless, sad and angry and surprised. This book was a long ride and some parts were annoying. I didn't understand why they didn't communicate about their pasts, if they had maybe she would be alive. It was so surprising. This book was amazing. I have nothing bad to say. The ending was beautiful. I didn't know what to expect. At one point, I was convinced Jack was guilty but the signs were all there. It was different in a good way. I'm still speechless writing this review. I can't quite put these feelings into words. But it's one of my favorite books now.
autumnmichelle7's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0