My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this novel. Well written, this poignant account of love and longing is actually a story within a story. Peony is a young girl who is betrothed to a man she has never met when she meets and falls in love with the boy next door. Cloistered within the walls of her father's home and constrained by the values of her society she sees no way out of her situation and becomes consumed by an epic love poem. When she literally dies of heartache the plot takes a fascinating turn into supernatural realms.
Fast paced and multi-dimensional this book left me feeling more emotions than I could keep track of. I recommend it as a good love story, a good ghost story, and a fascinating insight into the history of Chinese society and women.
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Review: Peony in Love by Lisa See
Review: 1421: The year China Discovered America by Gavin Menzies
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This fascinating collection of information from Gavin Menzies challenged my perception of history as it was written when I was in school. The collection of information that he shares in this heavy paperback is somewhat speculative, but definitely insightful. Many of the stories seem to have at least a strong chance of being true.
While I realize that many of the assertions he makes are challenged by expert historians the overall context of his theory makes sense to me, and I look forward to future research.
I would tell other potential readers that this book was heavy and at times cumbersome in language and concept, but well worth the journey. Even if you don't agree with the premise, you can't help but be excited and inspired by the possibilities!
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Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
Title: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
Author: Lisa See
ISBN: 0812968069, 9780812968064
Publication: Random House Publishing Group, 2006
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a novel that touched my heart and has stayed with me since I first read it in 2006.
This tale of friendship draws the reader into the world of 19th century Chinese women. We follow Snow Flower and Lily from early girlhood into their adult lives, experiencing the value, strength, and ultimate fragility of a deep bond between to women.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a heart-rending tale of love between two women. It's also an enlightening tribute to the strength of the female spirit throughout a history of opression.
