Take a photo of a barcode or cover
bookishrealm 's review for:
River East, River West
by Aube Rey Lescure
Not going to lie. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book, but Lescure did some interesting things with a reverse immigration story that tackles the implications of American expats in China. CW: underage alcohol consumption, sexual assault, emotional abuse, grooming, suicidal ideation, suicide, loss of a child, parental neglect
River East, River West is told in dual perspective following two different timelines of the main characters Alva, Lu Fang, and Sloan. Beginning in 2007, readers meet Sloan's daughter Alva who desires to leave China for the United States, but settles on attending the American School in Shanghai after Sloan marries their Chinese landlord Lu Fang. What follows is an interesting insight to race, class, culture and what it means to feel "in between" different aspects of one's identity.
What Worked: Lescure is a gifted storyteller. Alva, Lu Fang, and Sloan are difficult characters to like. In fact, there were specific moments where I couldn't stand any of them; however, I never lost interest in trying to figure out what was happening next. Through them, readers learn so much about the impact of American expats in China. The way White Americans would flock to the country in order to re-define their identities socially, politically, and economically, utilizing their whiteness as a means of advancement was beautifully crafted into the characterization of Sloan. Through the dual narrative perspective of Lu Fang and Alva, readers learn more about her intentions with and treatment of the Chinese as a way to boost her own ego and position in society. In the same respect, Lescure develops the character of Lu Fang against the backdrop of cultural and economic changes in China. Dissatisfied with the results of his life, he makes decision that cause waves of unexpected upheaval. Through Lu Fang and Sloan's character development, comes the development of Alva's coming of age story both heartbreaking and devastating, but a clear picture of what it feels like to be caught between two worlds.
What Didn't Work: I did not like the characters. Alva was more bearable because her narrative felt like more of a coming of age story typical of a teenager sharing her experiences. However, Lu Fang and Sloan gave me a run for my money. There were moments where I felt for them, but others where they both disgusted me.
Overall, this was an interesting debut. I would definitely check out the content warnings, but this idea of reverse immigration worked for me.
River East, River West is told in dual perspective following two different timelines of the main characters Alva, Lu Fang, and Sloan. Beginning in 2007, readers meet Sloan's daughter Alva who desires to leave China for the United States, but settles on attending the American School in Shanghai after Sloan marries their Chinese landlord Lu Fang. What follows is an interesting insight to race, class, culture and what it means to feel "in between" different aspects of one's identity.
What Worked: Lescure is a gifted storyteller. Alva, Lu Fang, and Sloan are difficult characters to like. In fact, there were specific moments where I couldn't stand any of them; however, I never lost interest in trying to figure out what was happening next. Through them, readers learn so much about the impact of American expats in China. The way White Americans would flock to the country in order to re-define their identities socially, politically, and economically, utilizing their whiteness as a means of advancement was beautifully crafted into the characterization of Sloan. Through the dual narrative perspective of Lu Fang and Alva, readers learn more about her intentions with and treatment of the Chinese as a way to boost her own ego and position in society. In the same respect, Lescure develops the character of Lu Fang against the backdrop of cultural and economic changes in China. Dissatisfied with the results of his life, he makes decision that cause waves of unexpected upheaval. Through Lu Fang and Sloan's character development, comes the development of Alva's coming of age story both heartbreaking and devastating, but a clear picture of what it feels like to be caught between two worlds.
What Didn't Work: I did not like the characters. Alva was more bearable because her narrative felt like more of a coming of age story typical of a teenager sharing her experiences. However, Lu Fang and Sloan gave me a run for my money. There were moments where I felt for them, but others where they both disgusted me.
Overall, this was an interesting debut. I would definitely check out the content warnings, but this idea of reverse immigration worked for me.