My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A few years ago I was reading allot of fiction about historical women. The book that opened the door to what I call my "female centric phase" was The Red Tent by Anita Diamant.
I want to put in a caveat right here that while I really enjoyed this book, it is not for everyone. Some people can't get past the first couple of chapters. There are many graphic depictions of physical and health related issues that are common to all women - cycles, pregnancy, birth.
Aside from the fact that I felt the writing was engaging I enjoyed the perspective this book gave me on what it meant in the past to be part of a community of women. Through the eyes of Jacob's daughter Dinah this novel takes the reader into the real lives that lay behind the book of Genesis. Reading between the lines Anita Diamant embraces the truth of the bible, mixes in some real history, and invents characters and events that reflect the common issues and experiences of modern women. The book made me laugh and cry - but in ways I didn't really expect. It made me cringe, and it also made me want to embrace my womanhood in a new way.
I would not recommend this book for men, anyone with a weak stomache, or anyone who wants a really fast paced plot.
This is a great book for people who are interested in biblical history, women's issues, or enjoyes novels that depict the intricate dramas of daily life.
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Review: The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Review: Peony in Love by Lisa See
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: The Girl with Glass Feet by Ali Shaw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ali Shaw manages to surprise and delight with an ending that you both anticipate and fear in a heartwarming and emotionally shattering story about the true value of love and life.
The girl with glass feet was a really insightful look into what makes a relationship valuable. Almost afraid to turn the page for fear of its ending, the story gently touches upon secret dreams and fears as it explores the last days of a woman who knows she is doomed.
I would tell potential readers that the pace was a bit slow in the beginning, but the main characters were intriguing enough to keep me interested as the plot developed. It's worth the read, especially if you are a lover of deep and transcendent characters.
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Q & A (Slumdog Millionaire)
Title: Q & A (Slumdog Millionaire)
Author: Vikas Swarup
ISBN: 0743267486, 9780743267489
Publication: August 12, 2008
Q&A is the first selection of the Leaves in Sheaves book club! When Steph (the co-organizer of our club) suggested it, I was immediately a little skeptical. I haven't seen the movie, but I tend to dislike allot of the movies that get rave reviews. Thinking that this would be the case with the movie Slumdog Millionaire, I erroneously judged the book to be a little - cheap. Boy was I surprised when I started reading! I guess I should have known not to judge a book by it's cover!
The author, Vikas Swarup, takes us on a fast paced journey through the life of an 18 year old young man. The story is in turns tragic and uplifting. From the very first page the characters grab your attention and will not let go. This is one of those perfect stories where you close the book and immediately feel a sense of loss; I will miss the people I met in this narrative.
What strikes me most about this novel is the way so much life is packed into such a tiny package! Through Q&A we experience the extremes of poverty and wealth in a society that has a rigid hierarchical class system. We delve into topics as diverse as gambling and religion. We feel the tension of a community struggling to come to grips with a cultural revolution that's been decades in the making. The narrative is perfectly paced to allow the reader to experience the wide array of settings and circumstances.
In addition to the dynamic plot, the character development is astounding. Swarup manages to quickly insert characters with such depth and dimension that the reader can't help but accept them.
Q&A is one of those books that you just have to read. Even people who don't usually like to read would probably enjoy this book. It has a great balance of action, romance, drama, suspense, and even a little mystery. There are a plenty of twists in the plot to keep even the most wandering minds engaged. Not only does Q&A get 5 stars from me - I think it might even be one of my top-five favorite books!
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.
