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A review by libraryjen
Like Spilled Water by Jennie Liu
4.0
Na is the oldest child from a poor family in China. Her parents dote over her younger brother Bao-bao and focus all their money/attention/efforts/hopes on getting him into a good college so he can "become an engineer, buy a house, buy a car, and then take care of them in their old age." No feels overlooked, unloved, and resentful of Bao-bao's opportunities, especially since she is the better and more committed student. Na was basically raised by her grandmother in the countryside while her parents work in the city to support her brother, whom they brought to live with them to attend a private middle and high school there. When Na gets word that her brother is dead, she goes to the city to be with her parents.
As the circumstances of his death unfold, Na realizes the shame her family will endure because of his suicide. She is also forced to quit school (vocational tech training) to come work with her parents in the city to meet their expenses. When Na meets a friend of Bao-bao that her parents don't know about, she learns some disturbing things about her brother that she cannot explain. As she searches for a way to mesh her personal desires and goals with the needs of her parents and the expectations of her family, Na also begins to unravel the secrets of her brother's life.
Told with straightforward clarity, this book is an easy, entertaining read that will break your heart. The glimpse Liu provides into life in modern China is fascinating and frustrating at the same time. I not only liked Na, I sympathized with her and rooted for her. The side characters were fleshed out and felt real (as real as side characters can in a short book). All in all, an enjoyable and pleasant read, despite the grief inherent in the story line. I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in Chinese culture and all fans of YA literature in general.
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
As the circumstances of his death unfold, Na realizes the shame her family will endure because of his suicide. She is also forced to quit school (vocational tech training) to come work with her parents in the city to meet their expenses. When Na meets a friend of Bao-bao that her parents don't know about, she learns some disturbing things about her brother that she cannot explain. As she searches for a way to mesh her personal desires and goals with the needs of her parents and the expectations of her family, Na also begins to unravel the secrets of her brother's life.
Told with straightforward clarity, this book is an easy, entertaining read that will break your heart. The glimpse Liu provides into life in modern China is fascinating and frustrating at the same time. I not only liked Na, I sympathized with her and rooted for her. The side characters were fleshed out and felt real (as real as side characters can in a short book). All in all, an enjoyable and pleasant read, despite the grief inherent in the story line. I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in Chinese culture and all fans of YA literature in general.
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.