These five titles are on my to-be-read list:
“A Chinese GONE WITH THE WIND” (Publisher’s Weekly)
“Bursting with drama, heartbreak and horror, this extraordinary family portrait mirrors China’s century of turbulence.” (Publisher’s Weekly)
“This anecdotal record of a young man’s encounter with the Chinese and their way of life offers unique insights to readers. Salzman had majored in Chinese literature at Yale, and his first job after graduation in 1982 was teaching English to students and teachers at Hunan Medical College in Changsha. He met this considerable challenge with sensitivity, humor, and imagination, and was quickly regarded with respect and affection.” (School Library Journal)
“The essence of this inexpressibly beautiful story will remain with me, I believe, for the rest of my life.” (Simon Winchester, author of A Crack in the Edge of the World and The Professor and the Madman)
“Starred Review. Set in 17th-century China, See’s fifth novel is a coming-of-age story, a ghost story, a family saga and a work of musical and social history.” (Publisher’s Weekly)
Of these books, I’ve only read Wild Swans, but it’s excellent. It was required reading by our company before we moved to China. Incredible story. Hope you enjoy it! :)
Amy
I read Wild Swans too. It was very good. I’d be curious what you think of Spring Moon. My daughter’s adopted from China. She might like it.
Amy and Natalie, I love that you’ve both read WILD SWANS. It looks liek the two of you have some things in common!
My mother has a copy, and I’ve been meaning to get to it for years.
My lovely friend, Ruth, recommended SPRING MOON and IRON AND SILK. I was fortunate enough to win PEONY IN LOVE through a blog contest. The last I saw on a display table at Barnes and Noble five or so years ago.
Looks like lots of good reading!
I haven’t read any of those – but they all look intriguing! :)
That one right before Lisa See’s (I can’t read the title) sounds wonderful. They all sound wonderful. :-)
All those books look great. I would also recommend “Factory Girls” by Leslie T. Chang if you’re in the mood for modern-day non-fiction.