Helpful Score: 2
This book was really well written and the stories are simply stated.
Each chapter is about a different woman, and Xinran's relationship to them (if applicable).
There's a few standout stories: one about a girl who kept a fly as a pet, and is heartbroken when she can't find it. It's a story told through letters between the girl and another friend of hers. The other one that stands out in my mind is the story of a woman who is a salvager, sorting through other people's garbage and selling what she finds. Xinran develops a friendship with her and eventually discovers some secrets about her life.
I don't want to give too much away about each story, so I'll leave it at that. This book was good enough for me to read several times before I decided to pass it to someone else.
Each chapter is about a different woman, and Xinran's relationship to them (if applicable).
There's a few standout stories: one about a girl who kept a fly as a pet, and is heartbroken when she can't find it. It's a story told through letters between the girl and another friend of hers. The other one that stands out in my mind is the story of a woman who is a salvager, sorting through other people's garbage and selling what she finds. Xinran develops a friendship with her and eventually discovers some secrets about her life.
I don't want to give too much away about each story, so I'll leave it at that. This book was good enough for me to read several times before I decided to pass it to someone else.
Helpful Score: 1
Xinran reveals a small glimpse into the lives of Chinese women across time. It's fascinating (and somewhat depressing) to read of these women's lives, and how they were affected by the political changes in China over the last 60+ years.
As the mother of a daughter born in China, I personally found these stories compelling. When my daughter is old enough, and if she is interested, I believe this book will help her understand--just a little--what her life might have been like if she'd been raised in her country of birth.
As the mother of a daughter born in China, I personally found these stories compelling. When my daughter is old enough, and if she is interested, I believe this book will help her understand--just a little--what her life might have been like if she'd been raised in her country of birth.
