[Subdue] Winter Pasture by Li Juan - 3 stars

[Jen K]

Li Juan is a writer and decides to winter with a family of Kazakh herders with the understanding that the nomadic culture will soon end with climate change and government policies. She decides to join a family who is in debt to her mother's store and at least has a bit of common language. Li Juan has a quirky sense of humor and perspective. She is very cognizant of being an other and observer of the family and culture yet does try to be helpful. She sews and minds the calves and learns how to survive in a freezing desert desperate for snow to have water to drink.

The book was a look at another culture was fascinating. It was a bit long and disjointed and Li Juan didn't seem to quite know what to make of her winter herding. I did enjoy her quirky personality but wished the story had been a bit more linear.

[Booknblues]

I've been interested in reading this. I have her book Distant Sunflower Fields on my tbr, to read first.