A book about food that is unappetizing; a book about how rich people are terrible that is somehow unconvincing, even though that seems like the biggesA book about food that is unappetizing; a book about how rich people are terrible that is somehow unconvincing, even though that seems like the biggest layup imaginable. This was not for me. I found the prose pretentious -- very capital-L Literary in an unearned way -- and the characters thin and unbelievable. The protagonist is not terribly competent and makes insane, out-of-left-field decisions, as dictated by the achingly slow plot. I appreciate some of what Zhang was trying to say, especially about the experience of being an Asian woman, but it was buried under what felt like an extended version of that scene from Succession where Tom and Greg eat ortolan, except less entertaining, or effectively satire. ...more
Oh dear. This was not for me. I would have loved to be grabbed by the characters or world -- who wouldn't want another vast and complex universe to glOh dear. This was not for me. I would have loved to be grabbed by the characters or world -- who wouldn't want another vast and complex universe to glom onto? But I found both very stiff and boring. This is a novel that explains and explains and explains, but never makes you feel. I know many people who love it -- and the show too, which I also tried and bounced off of a few year ago. I might try another danmei at some point, because I would really love to connect with one (and I'd welcome recs!), but I am done here....more
Jury duty book #2 (bought frantically during lunch after I burned through my first book by noon).
INTENSE. Insanely prescient -- I read Station ElevenJury duty book #2 (bought frantically during lunch after I burned through my first book by noon).
INTENSE. Insanely prescient -- I read Station Eleven when it first came out, and therefore, before the pandemic, but not this, and uh...Ma's vision is closer, despite the surreal, magical realist quality to her actual virus. This is chilling and utterly compelling. I'm trying to get rid of more books after I finish them, but I feel like I may need to hang onto this one to reread in a couple of years -- after the next apocalypse. ...more
A sort of The Scarlet Pimpernel set up that surprised me with its unexpected nuance and depth, and how suited these characters really do seem to each A sort of The Scarlet Pimpernel set up that surprised me with its unexpected nuance and depth, and how suited these characters really do seem to each other. Both Vere and Elissande are always acting: he as an "idiot"--think Bertie Wooster without the charm--so he can do vague spy-y stuff, and she to appease her evil uncle who is essentially keeping her and her aunt captive. She entraps him into marriage to escape, there are a few dub-con-y sex bits that I didn't like, and then they slowly start to learn the truth of each other. That part was real, real good for me. I also liked the poignancy of Vere's relationship with his brother, though I didn't understand the need for the seemingly extraneous romantic subplot for said brother. Regardless, another excellent end-of-the-year romance find -- after seeing Thomas' work everywhere for years! I'll definitely, finally read more of it....more
I may have waited too long to read this and let it become overhyped for me.
But as you can see, I seem to be feeling the need to apologize to this booI may have waited too long to read this and let it become overhyped for me.
But as you can see, I seem to be feeling the need to apologize to this book for not liking it more, for honestly finding its voice and structure extremely average.
It is a fine book about a young woman's struggle with burnout, perfectionism, difficult parents. But really, in my mind, merely fine.
Historical fiction, covering the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during World War II. Those aspects of the story were fascinating to me—I've read tonHistorical fiction, covering the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during World War II. Those aspects of the story were fascinating to me—I've read tons of WWII stories, but never one that covered this region. Lee's descriptions of life during the occupation are vivid and harrowing; she does a fantastic job realistically portraying the many ways people come together and fall apart under such horrific circumstances.
Unfortunately, as seems to be de rigueur for this sort of book these days, there's also a more modern component, and a *~*mystery*~* to be uncovered. This portion of the book, and even more notably the way the two relate, is much weaker. It doesn't help that, after everything, the BIG SECRET is revealed in such a hum-drum way. It's sort of as if the end of The Empire Strikes Back had gone like this:
Lando Calrissian invites Chewbacca and C-3PO to tea. Lando: So, I heard that Vader is Luke's father. C-3PO: I say! Lando: Hey, just thought you should know. Chewie: Rowarrrk!
But yes! The occupation scenes are seriously great, even if they don't have any Wookies in them. This is Lee's first novel, and it's got a lot to recommend it for a debut. I'll definitely be checking out her next one....more
It really is as fragmentary as the title suggests, but while this book doesn’t create a complete portrait, it does provide many fascinating glimpses iIt really is as fragmentary as the title suggests, but while this book doesn’t create a complete portrait, it does provide many fascinating glimpses into modern China. The perspective of Fenfang—a young, somewhat naive country girl who moves to Beijing to seek her fortune—is vivid and fresh. This was like a wonderful appetizer; I can’t wait to read some of Guo’s—likely more mature and complete—later work....more
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