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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
This book contains 15 stories about 15 women, each with different past and lives, representing all aspects of women in China. Some stories I found profoundingly sad, some are just … not at all impressive, but together, they make a multi-colored kaleidoscope of Chinese women.
I just wish this book had not been written as a collection of short stories, but rather many novellas. For these women, their stories deserve better.
The writing is what keeps me from giving this book a higher score.
I just wish this book had not been written as a collection of short stories, but rather many novellas. For these women, their stories deserve better.
The writing is what keeps me from giving this book a higher score.
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
"The Good Women of China" is a powerful and poignant collection of stories from a handful of Chinese women's lives between the 1950s through the 1990s, collected by Chinese radio personality and author, Xinran. Be prepared to read about all kinds of trauma and loss, but also strength and perseverance.
The stories that both interested and moved me the most were the ones about the Cultural Revolution and its impacts on women who were determined to be of capitalist backgrounds or other black categories. Xinran's own family history was so sad and difficult; her lonely childhood was heartbreaking. But the most memorable story of all was the first one, with the sexually-abused woman and her Renfield-like mental breakdown in the hospital, even if it also felt like the most unbelievable.
Xinran herself really fascinated me. Her ability to inspire confidence in her listeners, to draw out these painful, personal stories seems to point to someone with a unique capacity for empathy, openness, and warmth. I would love to be able to hear an episode or two of her radio show "Words on the Night Breeze," which inspired so many of the women featured in the book to reach out and confide in her.
"The Good Women of China" is a short book, but it packs a powerful punch. I would recommend it to readers who are interested in learning more about recent Chinese history and the experiences of women in other countries and who don't mind having their hearts crushed in the pursuit of that knowledge.
The stories that both interested and moved me the most were the ones about the Cultural Revolution and its impacts on women who were determined to be of capitalist backgrounds or other black categories. Xinran's own family history was so sad and difficult; her lonely childhood was heartbreaking. But the most memorable story of all was the first one, with the sexually-abused woman and her Renfield-like mental breakdown in the hospital, even if it also felt like the most unbelievable.
Xinran herself really fascinated me. Her ability to inspire confidence in her listeners, to draw out these painful, personal stories seems to point to someone with a unique capacity for empathy, openness, and warmth. I would love to be able to hear an episode or two of her radio show "Words on the Night Breeze," which inspired so many of the women featured in the book to reach out and confide in her.
"The Good Women of China" is a short book, but it packs a powerful punch. I would recommend it to readers who are interested in learning more about recent Chinese history and the experiences of women in other countries and who don't mind having their hearts crushed in the pursuit of that knowledge.
Me: (franticly searching the house)William, have you seen the Good Women of China?
Wm: (looking sheepishly at book in hand) Uhhh...
***
After wrestling the book from William (I had to employ the frying pan since he is quite a bit bigger, but he is still reading 'How to Act Right when your Spouse acts Wrong' which will surely help him recover)....
***
Tragic stories. I appreciated the integrity in which Xinran reported these stories--with the understanding that we can't always solve the suffering behind them. But there is something in the telling... I look forward to the day when suffering like this will be over.
Wm: (looking sheepishly at book in hand) Uhhh...
***
After wrestling the book from William (I had to employ the frying pan since he is quite a bit bigger, but he is still reading 'How to Act Right when your Spouse acts Wrong' which will surely help him recover)....
***
Tragic stories. I appreciated the integrity in which Xinran reported these stories--with the understanding that we can't always solve the suffering behind them. But there is something in the telling... I look forward to the day when suffering like this will be over.
Có những dòng khiến lòng phẫn uất, có những dòng khiến mắt rơi lệ
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Miscarriage
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Reading this was an obviously harrowing experience. It is definitely not for the faint of heart but I still recommend that everyone at least give it a try. Never has a book struck me to have such empathy, to grow my empathy, and allow myself to understand a small view into the suffering of Chinese women.
These stories happened to real women not that long ago in a country that is still fraught with controversy. Told through Xinran, the narrative is accessible and sympathetic. And although obviously suggests much negativity against China’s cultural revolution and the relationship of the government to the women of the society, I don’t see the narrative as overly political. It was written so that these woman can have a voice and be seen. I think it’ll stick with me for a long time. It makes me want to be a better person.
These stories happened to real women not that long ago in a country that is still fraught with controversy. Told through Xinran, the narrative is accessible and sympathetic. And although obviously suggests much negativity against China’s cultural revolution and the relationship of the government to the women of the society, I don’t see the narrative as overly political. It was written so that these woman can have a voice and be seen. I think it’ll stick with me for a long time. It makes me want to be a better person.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
A very very difficult book to read, but also incredibly important
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Homophobia, Incest, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Police brutality
emotional
reflective
slow-paced