Angela's review
Waiting: A Novel
by Ha Jin
Angela's review
Waiting: A Novel by Ha Jin
Angela's review
rating:
i am not sure if the protagonist in this book grew, or learned, or developed. i think he finally figured out what he needed or wanted from life, or why he was always "waiting" and content to do so.
but it is a bit simple (at the risk of spoiling it, i won't say what his issue is, but here's a hint: FAIRLY COMMON!) and i must admit i felt a little "had" at the end of the book, like i had been tricked into getting nothing.
that said, i enjoyed the writing and the scenic quality of the writing--esp. the embedding of the culture of revolution in china. i suspect, whether for better or worse, many of us will view this novel as important rather than as beautiful. both have their place.
however, i am giving 4 stars for importance, and the beauty of the language. glad to have read it, but not it's not up in the echelon of "100 years of solitude".
but it is a bit simple (at the risk of spoiling it, i won't say what his issue is, but here's a hint: FAIRLY COMMON!) and i must admit i felt a little "had" at the end of the book, like i had been tricked into getting nothing.
that said, i enjoyed the writing and the scenic quality of the writing--esp. the embedding of the culture of revolution in china. i suspect, whether for better or worse, many of us will view this novel as important rather than as beautiful. both have their place.
however, i am giving 4 stars for importance, and the beauty of the language. glad to have read it, but not it's not up in the echelon of "100 years of solitude".
