In the 1980s China began an economic reform that allowed peasants to move into the cities and seek work. As a journalist, the author met many young girls who did so and gathered their stories. As she thought about their experiences, she decided to write a book which was published in 2007. The girls, called âchopsticksâ, were primarily based on three individuals the author had met and became the key characters in this book. While the women were not sisters, for the sake of the story, the author made them so. They are Three, Five and Six, born into a peasant family in a small community where only males were treasured. Thus, the term âchopsticksâ because males become the beams of the family.
The three young women find jobs in Nanking, a city viewed by the author as the most beautiful in China. Three is the first to move to Nanking, taken by Uncle Two, who finds her work in restaurant where she artistically arranges vegetable plates to advertise the food. To assure beauty and freshness the plates are done daily.
When Three returns home, the family decides that someone else can go to the city. Uncle Two comes to the rescue and two more sisters make the move. There is Five, who has always believed she was stupid because she had difficulty learning. The final sister is Six who has had more education, loves books, can read and write. She wants to continue reading and work with books. Five finds herself working for the Dragon Water Palace. Since no one knows her background her eagerness to work and learn is highly praised and she blooms. Six is placed in a teahouse which values education and books surround the customers. Customers can have tea and read whatever they bring or find on the teahouse shelves.
What happens to the three is fascinating. Can they adjust to city life? Can they find happiness in the new environment? Can they achieve their goals? Read this delightful tale and discover the answers for yourself. Learn about their struggles, relish their achievements and discover their futures.
The three young women find jobs in Nanking, a city viewed by the author as the most beautiful in China. Three is the first to move to Nanking, taken by Uncle Two, who finds her work in restaurant where she artistically arranges vegetable plates to advertise the food. To assure beauty and freshness the plates are done daily.
When Three returns home, the family decides that someone else can go to the city. Uncle Two comes to the rescue and two more sisters make the move. There is Five, who has always believed she was stupid because she had difficulty learning. The final sister is Six who has had more education, loves books, can read and write. She wants to continue reading and work with books. Five finds herself working for the Dragon Water Palace. Since no one knows her background her eagerness to work and learn is highly praised and she blooms. Six is placed in a teahouse which values education and books surround the customers. Customers can have tea and read whatever they bring or find on the teahouse shelves.
What happens to the three is fascinating. Can they adjust to city life? Can they find happiness in the new environment? Can they achieve their goals? Read this delightful tale and discover the answers for yourself. Learn about their struggles, relish their achievements and discover their futures.
Probably one of my more favorite books i've read this year. Love the story of the three sisters. I was a bit worried about the translation as i've read translated books in the past that I didn't like at all, but this one was very easy to read. I love their reaction to big city living. Two thumbs up!!!
I was on the wishlist for over 2 years for this book. It was worth the wait. I loved it. The lives of these sisters is incredible. You just can't put this book down. I wanted to keep it, but I know others have been waiting about as long as I have, so Merry Christmas..I posted it! Enjoy!
