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Liked It2 of 2 members found this review helpful “A "The grass is always greener on the other side" book. Lots of interesting things to discuss in this story. I was amazed by the scope of emotions the story invoked. It would be a great discussion book for a book club. Although the characters aren't exactly likeable, I found the book still...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “Awful. And rather boring.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“Exceptional book very heartfelt.”
robin s wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A complicated novel about arranged marriages versus marrying for love. Set in Communist China.”
Bethany B wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Too good. A pessimist one, but a beautiful read. The book takes you to a journey through China's interiors to reveal a story that is universal.”
surprizezunltd wrote this review Wednesday, April 4, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Lin Kong, the male protagonist, married to a farming village woman who won't divorce him, waits 18 years to force the issue, living in a city, in love with a modern woman who is a nurse at the hospital where he is a doctor. As soon as they marry and have children, her weak heart becomes apparant, and he turns up back at the home of his traditional first wife, asking her to wait for him as wofe two hasn't long to live and with the children (twin boys) they can be a famly again. This is either a love story about the world's most hapless man, or a political allegory about China that needs much thought on the part of the reader.”
Janet A wrote this review Monday, March 19, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Awful. And rather boring.”
C Q wrote this review Saturday, March 3, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“haven't finished it”
Kathy wrote this review Monday, February 27, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I read this in Nowon, I think I read almost all of it sitting in the bathtub. It was very good and probably the only Chinese book I've ever read. ”
Greg wrote this review Monday, January 16, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“What an interesting story. Rich with fascinating Chinese history and customs, which I loved. But the simple story of a man trying to find happiness by getting a divorce... Is he worth waiting for? The ending almost stalled, but I guess we were given enough information to figure out what happens. Bittersweet.”
Cherylanne wrote this review Tuesday, December 6, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A very well written story about China in 1960s to 80s. Universal themes. A little humor in there as well. ”
Brian S wrote this review Wednesday, November 16, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“As far as plot goes this one is pretty uneventful. From the outset we are told that the male protagonist, Lin Kong, fulfills his filial piety duty by marrying a complete stranger, to care for his aging parents, do the housework, farm the land and raise their child single-handedly. But all this fails to impress Lin Kong; it is a loveless marriage. Upon graduation he works in a city hospital, where he forges a relationship with a female colleague; but it is a forbidden love, as state law decrees that he must divorce his wife first.
paperdust wrote this review Saturday, October 1, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
What this book lacks in plot makes up for in characters: righteous, methodical people with good intentions, who are caught in a quandary. Each character makes a sacrifice. Years of waiting turns dreams into doubts. Illusions of eternal love is distorted by the reality and practicality of daily life: earning a living, domestic chores, raising children, the stifling social and political influences at the time. All this takes its toll and strains relations further. In the end, Lin Kong reflects on how his relationships have evolved. It is very much a learning process.”
