Xinran takes her readers to the heart of modern Chinese society in this delightful and absorbing tale of three peasant girls getting to grips with ...
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Dec 20, 2010
Libby
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Sep 17, 2009
Sarah
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This book is about three sisters, known as Three, Five and Six. Their mother was only able to give birth to girls (although we all know that’s the man’s fault, isn’t it!). In his disappointment, the father didn’t want to bother thinking of names for the girls, so he named them according to the order that they were born in. It’s called Miss Chopsticks because that’s what girls are known as, “Chopsticks” because chopsticks are only to be used and discarded, and easily broken. Men, however, are the
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Jul 14, 2009
Yvonne
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A book about Chinese women that does not make you want to run out and adopt a Chinese orphan girl! Does that sound shallow? After reading this I felt that every other book I have read set in this culture or in American immigrant families has painted a bleak world in which the main character struggles against all, often with the support of one or two faithful friends, who are fated to die or be separated from her. Perhaps I am over reacting?
In any case, Xinran paints a picture of mod More...
In any case, Xinran paints a picture of mod More...
Apr 10, 2009
Louise
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Good read! I'd previously read another of Xinran's books titled: "Sky Burial" a true account of a woman's struggle to find her lost husband in Tibet and it ended up in my permanent collection! Although this novel "Miss Chopsticks" is fictional, the situations in the book are real, but for anonymity Xinran has changed names, and altered the facts, but at the same time presents a story of young women born and raised in the countryside and uneducated, who travel to the city of N
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Jul 20, 2011
Em
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"Miss Chopsticks" tells the tale of three sisters who move from their rural home to the city of Nanjing in search of work. Xinran spins a tale with the feel of a fable or fairytale which gives a light touch and adds frequent humour but still conveys alot about the Chinese culture, lifestyle and politics.
The book touches on several themes including the standing of women in China, the perceptions of "city" and "country" people and their differences, the i More...
The book touches on several themes including the standing of women in China, the perceptions of "city" and "country" people and their differences, the i More...
Dec 20, 2009
Rebecca
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I really enjoyed this book. Its set in the Chinese city of Nanjing, it tells of three sisters who come to the city to earn money and escape the life that has been set for them as girls in rural China.
The basis of the story is the saying that a daughter is like a chopstick and a son is like roof beams as only the son can support the house. It shows of how the three girls strive to gain face for teir family in their own ways and with their different capabilities.
It's intere More...
The basis of the story is the saying that a daughter is like a chopstick and a son is like roof beams as only the son can support the house. It shows of how the three girls strive to gain face for teir family in their own ways and with their different capabilities.
It's intere More...
Dec 21, 2009
Michael
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Feb 11, 2011
Tarfah
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The title of the book says it all "Miss Chopsticks". This is the derogatory term used in this tiny country-side village to describe women- their frailty, their usefulness for a single meal, after which they are tossed away. Men, on the other hard, are referred to as "roofbeams", that is it is their strength that holds up the entire household.
Great book that highlights the struggles of three Chinese sisters who leave their tiny village to move to the city of Nanjin More...
Great book that highlights the struggles of three Chinese sisters who leave their tiny village to move to the city of Nanjin More...
Jan 28, 2012
S--
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Full thoughts/review here.
Why I Started: Like so many books, it sounded interesting. (Seriously, have you read the blurb? Go read the blurb! Tell me that's not fascinating. And pretty depressing, but with hope mixed in with it! Except then you learn these are all true stories, except fictionalised, and you're depressed again.)
Why I Finished: I fell in love with Three, Five and Six. (Well, not in love love, but you know. Bookish, I really want to know more about their lives be More...
Why I Started: Like so many books, it sounded interesting. (Seriously, have you read the blurb? Go read the blurb! Tell me that's not fascinating. And pretty depressing, but with hope mixed in with it! Except then you learn these are all true stories, except fictionalised, and you're depressed again.)
Why I Finished: I fell in love with Three, Five and Six. (Well, not in love love, but you know. Bookish, I really want to know more about their lives be More...
Jan 22, 2009
Chrissie
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Will this be as good as Sky Burial? I hope so!
No, in my opinion it wasn't.Reading this was kind of a culture shock. I have a hard time believing the complete naivety of the three main characters. Maybe what disturbed me most was what the author has them say. I can question my inability to "accept" that these women did have such naive thoughts. On the other hand such naivety was not evident in the characters of Skye Burial. Understanding of what is right and wrong or what m More...
No, in my opinion it wasn't.Reading this was kind of a culture shock. I have a hard time believing the complete naivety of the three main characters. Maybe what disturbed me most was what the author has them say. I can question my inability to "accept" that these women did have such naive thoughts. On the other hand such naivety was not evident in the characters of Skye Burial. Understanding of what is right and wrong or what m More...
Aug 04, 2011
A simple and wonderful story of three rural Chinese girls finding their way in the city. As an insight into Chinese culture it was absolutely fascinating, especially the complete naivity of the girls in many aspects of life. It does have a slight feeling of being sanitised though. That said, I loved it!
Jan 10, 2009
Manuela
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This was a great read about the young country girls who go to work in the cities in China. I loved Xinran's earlier novel called "the Good Women of China", filled with harrowing secrets confessed by women who had survived the cultural revoltution. Miss Chopticks is much lighter and a pleasure to read.
Dec 30, 2009
sbub
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Following the story of three sisters who go to the city to find jobs, this is an amazing look into the differences between city and country people in China. I found all parts of the story fascinating and really enjoyed it. Xinran is a great story teller and I look forward greatly to her other books.
Dec 13, 2011
I've added this book to my wishlist, when I came across it. I bought it as a Christmas present to a fellow BC-member, but find it VERY interesting.
So, this particular book will go out, but I would like to read it myself to (someday).
So, this particular book will go out, but I would like to read it myself to (someday).
Jun 30, 2010
Juliebnelson
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I would have liked it more if it had not been fictionalized. I just spent two months in Nanjing. The women in China have wonderful stories that should be told as they really are, not as the author wants them to be.
May 01, 2009
Stacey
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I thought the book was good and enjoyed the journey of the 'chopstick' sisters to the city. It took me a long time to read, but it also took me a long to read Sky Burial. It must be the writing style or translation. I really liked the afterword and the lives of the 'real' Three, Five, and Six.
Aug 20, 2011
Anna
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This was a lovely story about three Chinese girls who live in the country and move to the City. They are referred to as "Chopsticks" a term used by the Chinese for girls, who are treated very much as second class citizens compared to boys. Whilst working in the City, they earn money for their family and by the end of the story, when they move back to the Country, they prove to their family, (especially their father), that they are more than just Chopsticks.
Jan 16, 2011
Louise
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Simplistic writting, warm story, Modern China came across as still being very old fashion for womans opportunities. On the whole enjoyed the read the ending Kind of wrapped up to soon, unsure how much of the story is true to life.
Sep 08, 2011
Eliza
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I read this book for our bookreport and it was actually pretty interesting. I finished it in one day. I really like the book and I wish it would be easier to find in bookstores :))
Mar 05, 2009
Susanna
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95 RMB at Inmedio, 26/02/09
I much preferred The Good Women of China. This book was okay, but not great. It was a pretty quick read that gave me some more insights into the lives of ordinary Chinese people.
I much preferred The Good Women of China. This book was okay, but not great. It was a pretty quick read that gave me some more insights into the lives of ordinary Chinese people.
Nov 13, 2011
Ryry
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I can't fully remember this book coz i read it a few years ago, but i think i liked the way she showed the strength of women migrant workers in China.
Sep 25, 2011
Barbara
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A bit simple but endearing tale of three sisters that try to find a better life for themselves.
A big problem with this book are the many editing errors.
A big problem with this book are the many editing errors.
Jul 03, 2011
Atsundarsingh
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Good book. Endearing but sad characters. But not that amazing. Maybe I lack cultural sensitivity? I learned alot of China from this novel. Well written.
Aug 12, 2008
Nick
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If you haven't read The Good Women of China, rush to the bookstore and pick it up. Take the rest of the day off and read it. Especially because we're all paying attention to China this week, but also just on general principles. Miss Chopsticks is a lighter tale in the same vein -- stories of ordinary women's lives in contemporary China that illuminate the country for westerners. Here, Xinran weaves together the tales of 3 sisters, country girls who come to the city to find opportunity. What
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Jan 29, 2012
Sonia
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a la fin des années 80 les paysans sont autorises a circuler en Chine pour trouver du travail. On suit l'histoire de trois sœurs considérées dans leur villages comme des baguettes par opposition aux hommes qui sont des poutres qui soutiennent les toits. Celles ci vont en ville trouver du travail et échapper a la mentalité arriérée de leur monde rural. Et il faut se battre quand en 2000 on ne sait pas lire, on est jamais monte dans une voiture, et encore moins comment fonctionne une carte bleue.
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Aug 07, 2010
Frances
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This book opened my eyes to the idea of the 'New' china. It was an interesting read.
Apr 15, 2010
Asha
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Loved it for its simplicity and insight into the contemporary Chinese society.
Nov 28, 2007
Jennifer (JC-S)
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This is a definite five star read for me. At less than 300 pages, it is not a long novel. It provides a view of life in China which is as much caught in the past as it is moving towards a different future.
I've reviewd the novel at Amazon.com for thise interested: http://tinyurl.com/3cbqwh
I also recommend Xinran's 'Sky Burial'
Both are beautifully written books, in my view.
I've reviewd the novel at Amazon.com for thise interested: http://tinyurl.com/3cbqwh
I also recommend Xinran's 'Sky Burial'
Both are beautifully written books, in my view.
