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kokechii's review
3.0
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review in 2021. I am very late in reviewing this only because I'm fairly sure I either never got the mail for the approval or I sadly missed it completely. So when I noticed it now, I went on to actually read the book!
A Song Everlasting was an interesting book to read. Firstly, I fell in love with the title. Secondly, it's my first book by Ha Jin and I deeply wish I loved this more. The read was interesting in a way of me being someone who knows nothing about the struggles described here - not the political problems, not the China/US problems or the life of an artist. The slower pace works well, taking you through Yao Tian's life but I think the book suffered a bit from "and then" syndrome. Still, I am glad I read it.
A Song Everlasting was an interesting book to read. Firstly, I fell in love with the title. Secondly, it's my first book by Ha Jin and I deeply wish I loved this more. The read was interesting in a way of me being someone who knows nothing about the struggles described here - not the political problems, not the China/US problems or the life of an artist. The slower pace works well, taking you through Yao Tian's life but I think the book suffered a bit from "and then" syndrome. Still, I am glad I read it.
cami19's review
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
namizaela's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
jcharlton's review
4.0
Really interesting. I liked experiencing Tian’s life as an immigrant continuing to deal with communist China in his new life. It seemed like it was clinically written. The characters didn’t feel very moved by their events. Very good story though.
troxellis's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
mollyan's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
danielledtetreau's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
I enjoyed this book but it was a little boring. Nothing happens per se it’s a life.
jsslwy's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jasonchamb's review against another edition
4.0
A Song Everlasting is Ha Jin's subdued tale of a popular Chinese singer turned unexpected dissident. While on tour with a state-sponsored musical troupe, Tian is approached to perform in a private event. Unbeknownst to him, the event is sponsored by a pro-Taiwan group, and Tian is plunged into bureaucratic dangers. He faces denouncement and loss of his passport and his position. He and his wife decide that for him to remain safe, he should take refuge in the United States.
Tian's life in the U.S. is difficult. He has limited opportunities to perform, and what chances he does have are stymied by the Chinese government and the media it quietly backs.
While the corruption and coercion of the government serves as a backdrop for this novel, the forefront is consumed with Tian's struggles for life in America to achieve personal and professional freedom and to survive in a country with few restrictions, but few supports as well. Tian navigates his way through a multitude of problems, including financial troubles, marital strife, and a near-disastrous health scare to navigate his way in this new world, ultimately finding a home amongst a small circle of friends and family.
Very moving and understated, and ultimately uplifting.
Tian's life in the U.S. is difficult. He has limited opportunities to perform, and what chances he does have are stymied by the Chinese government and the media it quietly backs.
While the corruption and coercion of the government serves as a backdrop for this novel, the forefront is consumed with Tian's struggles for life in America to achieve personal and professional freedom and to survive in a country with few restrictions, but few supports as well. Tian navigates his way through a multitude of problems, including financial troubles, marital strife, and a near-disastrous health scare to navigate his way in this new world, ultimately finding a home amongst a small circle of friends and family.
Very moving and understated, and ultimately uplifting.