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Liked It “This book was very interesting to read. It's a ficitional biography so after completing the author's rendition it was neat to look up more of the facts of Pan Yuliang's life. The artist's life crosses cultures and ends where you necessarily wouldn't expect in the book. The ending was a bit sad...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “About a Chinese former prostiture turned painter, during revolution. I found it to have that 2 book feel, the first half feels like one book and the second half another. Connections are weak.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“This book was very interesting to read. It's a ficitional biography so after completing the author's rendition it was neat to look up more of the facts of Pan Yuliang's life. The artist's life crosses cultures and ends where you necessarily wouldn't expect in the book. The ending was a bit sad but realistic especially given the period of Chinese history it takes place - the civil conflict of republicanism and communism.”
Suzee wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I have to be honest - I picked this book up because I liked the cover and I had a trip planned to Shanghai ! However, I enjoyed the book for all its different themes - the struggle of women in Chinese society, art, China and its history. The story is based on a true character. I liked the style though it's not a book I'll remember for long.”
Gill S wrote this review Sunday, September 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“About a Chinese former prostiture turned painter, during revolution. I found it to have that 2 book feel, the first half feels like one book and the second half another. Connections are weak.”
Susan B wrote this review Thursday, August 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“pace was slow; plot and characters were weak; poor conclusion”
Sarah wrote this review Friday, July 24 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Another book I read while in China, so it had special relevance. Had a great storyline withe artist's early life and life in Paris. Made my life seem very pedestrian, albeit safe. It never ceases to amaze me how many people rise from such hardship to have lives that really touch others with their creativity, their reflection and unfortunately, their suffering. Is that what makes atrists truly great?”
Jude P wrote this review Wednesday, July 22 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Excellent historical fiction of a very interesting woman. Epstein did such thorough research of the history of the times and incorporating within the life of Pan Yuliang, that it's hard to believe she started studying Chinese history, customs, language, politics, and mentality while preparing to write this book. This story makes you consider how much talent can be wasted in a system that is corrupt, or that oppresses, or too weak to nourture it. ”
Shiao-ying F wrote this review Tuesday, April 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“easy to read, started out sad, but interesting. Then, towards the end it was dragging and very hard to get through...”
sharmee wrote this review Wednesday, January 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A well-written fictional biography about a female Chinese painter Pan Yuliang who fought and triumphed against tremendous odds.
Jennah A wrote this review Monday, November 3 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The story is amazing ,I especially liked this quote :"the truth is,"home" feels less like a place now than an inner part of her,an organ cancerously riddled with longing.the hurt recedes when she's painting.But the ache of it ,of all she's lost-that never leaves.Places and people still appear in an eyeblink,so tremblingly real she could touch them ....."”
“A very interesting look at the life and times of Pan Yulian, a woman whose paintings of nudes caused her to achieve fame and at the same time nearly destroyed all she had worked for her entire life.”
Hope O wrote this review Thursday, August 28 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
