Helpful Score: 3
This is an interesting double memoir. A present day granddaughter tells her story and that of her grandmother. A close relationship between grandmother and granddaughter is a joy to read about today. Such a contrast is shown between the generations and the hardships fought by women through the years. Also a wonderful peek into the very private lives and thoughts of Chinese women in the 19th and 20th centuries.
A facinating tale..."an exquisitly written dual memoir that tells the story of independent women struggling to emerge from centuries of custom and tradition, a deeply textured portrait which braids a woman's life in China with the very Western story of a young woman's search for identity and belonging."
[This book has rather small type.]Some rather wonderful B&W photos.
[This book has rather small type.]Some rather wonderful B&W photos.
I was concerned that this would be dry, but it was fascinating. Very well written, lots of information, and a real education about China at the turn of the century and the role that women played and could play.