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What Members Thought
I enjoy learning about the Chinese customs (how and why). I was suprised/disgruntled about the author's "initiating event". Stopped the book for a short time and went back to it. Definitely glad I returned and finished the book. The details about the different generations and the plight of women was well covered. I like Lisa See's books because they expand cultural knowledge
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Done in similar fashion as 'The Lovely Bones', using a dead narrator to tell the story. Like a ghost story. My heart breaks for Peony. This was a vacation read for me and it was perfect for that.
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Great book! Even better---it was a book club book and we were able to talk to the author at our december meeting! What a wonderful peek inside a world that no longer exists.
Lisa See is my MFA (Most Favorite Author), at least in part because I have heard her speak more than once and have had the chance to talk with her. I loved On Gold Mountain and Shanghai Girls, liked the Red Princess Mysteries and Peony in Love. The sense of place and time was excellent, the characters were well-drawn and well-developed. I just thought the middle third of the book was a bit too drawn out.
An enchanting and beautifully written story. Incredibly haunting and immerses you in a world that is not easily forgotten and stays with you.
I could not stay with this book. Although it was quite well written, it was extremely depressing.
I learned a lot about Chineese customs and how they are matched from the time they are born and it does not matter how much they may be in love with someone else, it is their fate. I also learned a lot about their ancestor worship.
I loved the tradition and historical accuracy, but was disappointed in some of the fantasy elements. I do think it would make a visually stunning film though.
Sep 10, 2009
Betsy
marked it as did-not-finish
