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Bamboo-Scented Love: A year in China
"Bamboo-scented Love" is a story about women who make sacrifices for the sake of their partners' careers, about people living on the other side of the world, and about crises, longing, and happiness. But most of all, it is the story of impossible love. The story takes place in 1998 in China, which recently opened to the West. It interweaves markets, rituals, cultures, superstitions, and historic sites, before reaching its inevitable dramatic ending. When Mira's husband is sent to work in China for two years, Mira relocates there, with him and her two young children. For Mira, this is meant to be a two-year timeout from her work and studies, a time she has been anticipating eagerly yet apprehensively. As the plot becomes increasingly more complicated, Mira finds herself at odds with her own self, with those around her and with her love for a stranger. "Bamboo-scented Love" takes the reader on a journey into a dream - one that becomes a reality for Mira, her husband, and their children. Vered Kaminsky, a teacher of Communications and Cinematography, as well as a journalist, has published four children's books. "Bamboo-scented Love" is her first published book for adults. It was written during her year in China, the last year of the twentieth century. It is a fascinating portrayal of the many faces of China: human, cultural and societal."Bamboo-scented Love" is a story that took place in China, not so long ago. Yet it was a time where the Coronavirus which isolated the whole country and its people, was not even an imaginary thought.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 18, 2022
Love is the power of life...
Bamboo-Scented Love: A year in China by Vered Kaminsky is a narrative about women ‘who make sacrifices for their partners' careers, people who live on the other side of the world, crises, longing, and happiness.’ At its core, it’s a story about unattainable love. Skillfully constructed and set against the backdrop of the city of Qingdao, China in the late 90s, this wonderfully written story will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘The story takes place in 1998 in China, which recently opened to the West. It interweaves markets, rituals, cultures, superstitions, and historic sites, before reaching its inevitable dramatic ending. When Mira’s husband is sent to work in China for two years, Mira relocates there, with him and her two young children. For Mira, this is meant to be a two-year timeout from her work and studies, a time she has been anticipating eagerly yet apprehensively. As the plot becomes increasingly more complicated, Mira finds herself at odds with her own self, with those around her and with her love for a stranger…’
The story had every element a good story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.
Thoroughly enjoyed it, and highly recommended it. A well-deserved five stars from me.
Bamboo-Scented Love: A year in China by Vered Kaminsky is a narrative about women ‘who make sacrifices for their partners' careers, people who live on the other side of the world, crises, longing, and happiness.’ At its core, it’s a story about unattainable love. Skillfully constructed and set against the backdrop of the city of Qingdao, China in the late 90s, this wonderfully written story will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘The story takes place in 1998 in China, which recently opened to the West. It interweaves markets, rituals, cultures, superstitions, and historic sites, before reaching its inevitable dramatic ending. When Mira’s husband is sent to work in China for two years, Mira relocates there, with him and her two young children. For Mira, this is meant to be a two-year timeout from her work and studies, a time she has been anticipating eagerly yet apprehensively. As the plot becomes increasingly more complicated, Mira finds herself at odds with her own self, with those around her and with her love for a stranger…’
The story had every element a good story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.
Thoroughly enjoyed it, and highly recommended it. A well-deserved five stars from me.
May 12, 2020
A timely glance back at pre-21st century China
Israeli author Vered Kaminsky is a teacher of Communication and Cinematography as well as an author of children’s books that are both entertaining for young readers as well as easily absorbed lessons about habits and behaviors that may need altering. Now she offers an adult novel BAMBOO-SCENTED LOVE and her talents continue to blossom.
In the Prologue the mood of the story is well presented – ‘It all happened at the end of the summer of 1998. El Al flight 095 from Israel circled at a low altitude inside a cloud of dense fog above the Beijing airport, waiting for the landing permit, which seemed to be taking a long time. The chief flight attendant reported yet another delay in landing, thanking the passengers in his deep voice for their patience. He repeated the announcement in English and another flight attendant translated it into Chinese for the sake of the dozens of Chinese construction workers who crowded the that airplane – all on their way their way to celebrate their holidays after working months in Israel…Black slanted eyes were looking at Mira from all directions…’
What Vered has accomplished in this well-paced novel is to transport the reader to China, sharing all the cultural and societal aspects that make that country so fascinating. The fact that she is publishing this novel at this point in time, when much of the world is wary about the inception of the Coronavirus in Wuhan, is significant.
A brief synopsis of the plot allows entry into this fictional tale – ‘The story takes place in 1998 in China, which recently opened to the West. It interweaves markets, rituals, cultures, superstitions, and historic sites, before reaching its inevitable dramatic ending. When Mira’s husband is sent to work in China for two years, Mira relocates there, with him and her two young children. For Mira, this is meant to be a two-year timeout from her work and studies, a time she has been anticipating eagerly yet apprehensively. As the plot becomes increasingly more complicated, Mira finds herself at odds with her own self, with those around her and with her love for a stranger.’
Vered’s ability to create a credible setting and characters who interact with the Chinese culture is commendable. For a first adult novel, this book makes a solid impression. Recommended.
Israeli author Vered Kaminsky is a teacher of Communication and Cinematography as well as an author of children’s books that are both entertaining for young readers as well as easily absorbed lessons about habits and behaviors that may need altering. Now she offers an adult novel BAMBOO-SCENTED LOVE and her talents continue to blossom.
In the Prologue the mood of the story is well presented – ‘It all happened at the end of the summer of 1998. El Al flight 095 from Israel circled at a low altitude inside a cloud of dense fog above the Beijing airport, waiting for the landing permit, which seemed to be taking a long time. The chief flight attendant reported yet another delay in landing, thanking the passengers in his deep voice for their patience. He repeated the announcement in English and another flight attendant translated it into Chinese for the sake of the dozens of Chinese construction workers who crowded the that airplane – all on their way their way to celebrate their holidays after working months in Israel…Black slanted eyes were looking at Mira from all directions…’
What Vered has accomplished in this well-paced novel is to transport the reader to China, sharing all the cultural and societal aspects that make that country so fascinating. The fact that she is publishing this novel at this point in time, when much of the world is wary about the inception of the Coronavirus in Wuhan, is significant.
A brief synopsis of the plot allows entry into this fictional tale – ‘The story takes place in 1998 in China, which recently opened to the West. It interweaves markets, rituals, cultures, superstitions, and historic sites, before reaching its inevitable dramatic ending. When Mira’s husband is sent to work in China for two years, Mira relocates there, with him and her two young children. For Mira, this is meant to be a two-year timeout from her work and studies, a time she has been anticipating eagerly yet apprehensively. As the plot becomes increasingly more complicated, Mira finds herself at odds with her own self, with those around her and with her love for a stranger.’
Vered’s ability to create a credible setting and characters who interact with the Chinese culture is commendable. For a first adult novel, this book makes a solid impression. Recommended.
June 9, 2020
‘Bamboo Scented Love’, written by Vered Kaminsky, is a story that depicts the transformation of Mira after she puts her life on hold to relocate to China with her husband and her two children. This move turns out to be more challenging than what she had initially anticipated it to be and the author takes us on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.
The story takes us to China in 1988 when it had just opened its doors to the west. Mira’s first experiences in China weren’t all that pleasant as she is faced with situations that could potentially be humiliating. With time, Mira starts warming up to the country and its people. She also grows to love Chinese culture and traditions. Mira’s character is socially adept, kind, tolerant, warm and loving. Her world view is challenged when she catches herself falling in love with another man. This part of the story is very raw and the author beautifully describes the fears, conflicts and insecurities of every character involved. There are times when Mira doesn’t make the morally right choice, but in the end; she comes out with her own scruples, intact. Kaminsky leaves it up to the reader to decide if Mira is a victim of circumstances or an agent of her own destruction.
The universal message of this book is positive and promotes diversity and tolerance. Kaminsky dissects these sticky situations with precision and candour. The story eloquently describes the conflict that Mira faces and the reason behind her final decision. Throughout the book, China and its traditions and culture are described through the eyes of a dazzled outsider. The author’s writing drags the reader into this rich and unique tale in which each character struggles to find the balance between happiness and duty. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys reading stories filled with drama and romance.
The story takes us to China in 1988 when it had just opened its doors to the west. Mira’s first experiences in China weren’t all that pleasant as she is faced with situations that could potentially be humiliating. With time, Mira starts warming up to the country and its people. She also grows to love Chinese culture and traditions. Mira’s character is socially adept, kind, tolerant, warm and loving. Her world view is challenged when she catches herself falling in love with another man. This part of the story is very raw and the author beautifully describes the fears, conflicts and insecurities of every character involved. There are times when Mira doesn’t make the morally right choice, but in the end; she comes out with her own scruples, intact. Kaminsky leaves it up to the reader to decide if Mira is a victim of circumstances or an agent of her own destruction.
The universal message of this book is positive and promotes diversity and tolerance. Kaminsky dissects these sticky situations with precision and candour. The story eloquently describes the conflict that Mira faces and the reason behind her final decision. Throughout the book, China and its traditions and culture are described through the eyes of a dazzled outsider. The author’s writing drags the reader into this rich and unique tale in which each character struggles to find the balance between happiness and duty. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys reading stories filled with drama and romance.
June 13, 2020
Set in 1990's China, this is the story of Mira and Ron, a couple from Israel, who, along with their two young children, are spending the next two years in the city of Qingdao.
They are there for Ron's job; he has been appointed manager of a rice processing plant. The early days are not easy. The children are enrolled in the local elementary school. Eventually, they relax and start to enjoy school. Mira's housekeeper, Linda (she came with the apartment), helps her get used to China. Linda helps Mira learn Chines, and Mira helps Linda learn English, one word at a time. Linda also helps Mira navigate the local food stalls. Mira is greatly helped by making contact with the local expatriate community. She learns to relax, and even enrolls in a Chinese language class at the local university.
Cheng is the assistant manager at the rice processing plant. He was in line for the top job until Ron was appointed over him. Cheng says he is OK with being passed over. Whenever Mira needs a ride somewhere, Cheng suddenly appears. Over time, Mira starts to have feelings for him. Does it become a full-blown affair? Does Mira "find herself"?
This is a very good story. It gets very "ground level," down to the level of individual people, just trying to live their lives. Set in a, for most Westerners, exotic part of the world, this is really worth reading.
They are there for Ron's job; he has been appointed manager of a rice processing plant. The early days are not easy. The children are enrolled in the local elementary school. Eventually, they relax and start to enjoy school. Mira's housekeeper, Linda (she came with the apartment), helps her get used to China. Linda helps Mira learn Chines, and Mira helps Linda learn English, one word at a time. Linda also helps Mira navigate the local food stalls. Mira is greatly helped by making contact with the local expatriate community. She learns to relax, and even enrolls in a Chinese language class at the local university.
Cheng is the assistant manager at the rice processing plant. He was in line for the top job until Ron was appointed over him. Cheng says he is OK with being passed over. Whenever Mira needs a ride somewhere, Cheng suddenly appears. Over time, Mira starts to have feelings for him. Does it become a full-blown affair? Does Mira "find herself"?
This is a very good story. It gets very "ground level," down to the level of individual people, just trying to live their lives. Set in a, for most Westerners, exotic part of the world, this is really worth reading.
August 15, 2020
Interesting view of life In China in 2000
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews