A piece of historical fiction, this epic saga is based on the lives of Liu's grandparents. The novel opens in 1906 in Berkley, California. Hope Newfield, an engaged English tutor, meets Liang Poyu on her twenty-fifth birthday. Liang is a Chinese student, obsessed with the idea of revolution in his homeland. An ardent scholar, Liang dreams of bringing democracy to China.
The two find themselves attracted to one another, and a friendship ensues. When an earthquake hits, Liang (who Hope has nicknamed Paul), rescues her from the rubble. In an age when marriage between Chinese and Americans was illegal, Paul and Hope defy all to travel to San Francisco and marry. Over the course of the next few decades, we follow the couple to China where Paul becomes deeply involved with the revolution to overthrow Manchus, bringing danger not only to himself, but to his family.
Liu writes eloquent prose, bringing the sites, smells and sounds of a war-torn China to life. B.D. Wong brings to life Liu's words in the Time-Warner audiobook presentation. Wong manages to make each voice distinctive, and the Chinese music that flows throughout the background transports the listener to another place and time. Those who enjoyed Snow Falling On Cedars, by David Guterson will be drawn to this title, which also points the spotlight on race relations while evoking a strong sense of place.
Nanci Milone Hill, October 17, 2002.
Lucius Beebe Memorial Library
- lme.