Reviews

The Light of Eternal Spring by Angel Di Zhang

patmcmanamon's review

5.0

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, which I won on a Goodreads giveaway. It's compelling, thoughtful, and interesting. It takes us places we don't normally go -- from New York City to a small town in Northeast China. And throughout it weaves Chinese history and culture into the story. This is an excellent book on life, death, separation, reunion and art. It's about family, relationships, and growth. Another author said of this novel that it's a book "you can't help but fall into." I can't think of a better description. This is one of the most touching and compelling books I've read in a long while. I wish there were a way to get in touch with Angel Di Zhang, just to let her know much I appreciated the depth of her first novel.

melausten's review

5.0

Easily my favourite book so far this year.

samondemand's review

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

loopenbumble's review

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

7zoie's review

3.0

Really great debut novel, just give it a try :-) (3.5 stars)

faye_v's review

emotional hopeful reflective sad 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

4.0

r0asa19's review against another edition

emotional hopeful relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

smalltownbookmom's review

4.0

This was a beautifully moving mother-daughter story that follows a NYC photographer Amy/Aimee as she returns with her husband to the small village in China where she was born after learning of her mother's death.

Alternating in timelines we get to see glimpses of Aimee's childhood living with her mother in the little village of Eternal Spring while also getting a sense of the same place in the present as Aimee reconnects with family and discovers secrets about her mother's life she didn't know.

An interesting twist to the story has Aimee going temporarily blind while she's in China too, having to learn how to navigate life without sight and really rely on those around her for assistance. The surprise disability rep in the book was a bonus for me!

Great on audio read by the author, this was a joy to read! Thanks to Librofm for an ALC in exchange for my honest review!

hymne's review

emotional inspiring sad 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

Really moving and touching. A story about roots and what can be considered your home. Really well written and emotional.

anoriel's review

adventurous emotional reflective 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? It's complicated

4.25