CW: (view spoiler)[Suicidal thoughts, mental health issues resulting in child neglect and institutionalisation (possib#3 in the Goodreads NZ Readathon
CW: (view spoiler)[Suicidal thoughts, mental health issues resulting in child neglect and institutionalisation (possibly bipolar), racial stereotyping, animal cruelty. (hide spoiler)]
Warning: This book will bring on an intense desire to eat dumplings and other delicious Chinese food.
What a gem of a book. I loved the dynamics between the different family members and reading about the customary deferential treatment of parents in Chinese culture. The way the tension built up slowly was quite masterful. As the mother started becoming more erratic I could feel my own anxiety rising as an inevitable breaking point drew closer. I thought the portrayal of the stigma around mental illness was good, and having the Chinese cultural views carefully and respectfully added in brought another layer of depth. The heart-breaking moments were balanced nicely with the warmth I felt at the loving moments between the siblings. I think this is also quite an important book in terms of understanding the pressures faced by young people who have family responsibilities and obligations. These responsibilities are juggled with school, following their own interests/hobbies, building relationships and developing their own sense of identity. Anna is navigating all of this as a Chinese-Australian. This adds a further layer of complexity as her parents maintain that their Chinese values need to be upheld by the family. Anna was an endearing character and I really enjoyed her journey.
A book with incredible heart and depth. I thoroughly recommend it....more
This had a cast of many and I have to say I found it CW: (view spoiler)[Mother commits suicide, detailed murders, mother murders child (hide spoiler)]
This had a cast of many and I have to say I found it hard to keep track of everyone. I confess I got to 60% and then had to start again as I felt like I had missed details of the crucial connections between characters. I loved the history and felt the book brought 19th century Korea to life with its rich history and beautiful culture steeped in tradition. I was intrigued by the class and gender rules that affected every interaction in this society.
I always enjoy a good murder mystery. To me this was an intricately detailed 'whodunnit' with lots of pieces of the puzzle slowly being woven together. I really like Seol and her ambition to be more than what society had assigned to her. She had a brilliant investigative mind and her keen and intelligent observations showed this. I loved the crime scene investigative elements and how they may have looked sans modern technology.
Lastly, cover appreciation people! Thoroughly enjoyed this book and strongly recommend it....more
CW: (view spoiler)[Death of loved one through drowning. It was likely intentional as he was very ill (physically and mentally). Sadness and l3.5 Stars
CW: (view spoiler)[Death of loved one through drowning. It was likely intentional as he was very ill (physically and mentally). Sadness and loneliness. (hide spoiler)] Sadness and loneliness permeate every part of this moving book. It was a slow burn for me but as Marin began to open up I found myself drawn into her sorrow and pain. I had a few tears sliding down my face at a couple of points towards the end of the novel. Marin had tried to ignore her grief by leaving for college, however the strongest anchor to her former life came to find and reclaim her. The depth of connection that she had with Mabel and her family made the story for me. An emotional and well written book. I suggest having a good look at the cover after reading it too....more
I won’t be protected. I will choose for myself what is ladylike and right. To shield me is an insult.
Preach sister!
Awakenings abound in this fantastiI won’t be protected. I will choose for myself what is ladylike and right. To shield me is an insult.
Preach sister!
Awakenings abound in this fantastic short novel! I loved reading about Lucy's growing conflicting feelings on society's expectations that women are to be protected and informed on how to behave, and her emerging confidence in her own judgement and desire for self determination. I wasn't wooed by the romance in the book. To me, it was Lucy's journey that was captivating. I also absolutely loved the final reveal about a supposedly ‘dreadful frozen Charlotte’. A book filled with sumptuous writing and wonderful symbolism. A must read.
It isn't possible to love and part. You will wish that it was. You can transmute love, ignore it, muddle it, but you can never pull it out of you. I know by experience that the poets are right: love is eternal....more
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