Bittersweet

by Leslie Li

From the last days of the warlords to the tragedy of Tiananmen Square, it is in essence the 100-year odyssey of Bittersweet, a headstrong peasant woman who rises from poverty and endures abandonment, patriarchy, and revolution as the wife of the second most powerful man in China. This gripping story was inspired by the lives of the author's grandfather, the first democratically elected Vice President of China and subsequently acting president, and her grandmother, a woman you won't soon forget. 

Unmarried at nineteen and tormented by her jealous sister-in-law, Bittersweet defies custom and arranges her own marriage to an officer in China's newly formed republican army, whose favorable destiny, a soothsayer insists, matches Bittersweet's own. As her husband Delin's star rises with victory in battle, Bittersweet's star ascends along with it, and when she gives birth to their son her position is assured. 

But while her husband fights enemies on the battlefield, and the deception of his envious commander-in-chief, Chiang Kai-shek, uncertainty of a different stripe intrudes upon Bittersweet's already unsettled life in the form of Dejie, her husband's beautiful and arrogant concubine. By skillfully employing the very rules that men have devised to justify their own privileges, Bittersweet gains authority while remaining the picture of a dutiful and obedient wife. She has a single ambition - to see her family safe and together again.

Genres: Historical

398 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Charlie Newfell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiction, Historical Fiction or a memoir? Really it’s all of the above. Based upon real people (the author ‘s family) and real historical events, there are some enough changes to make it really historical fiction. The primary character is Bittersweet, a strong woman in a time, and place where this was frowned upon.

There’s a lot of interesting subjects covered here- depictions of traditional rural China, the life of women at the turn of the 20th century, World Wars, politics, and the rise of communism.

[Teresa Yan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every few years, I find a book that is so captivating I don’t want to put it down ever. This was one of them. The incredible mix of Chinese culture, politics, history, family dynamics, joy, anguish, love, sacrifice (and so much more) made this not only entertaining to read, but also educational. This may be my favourite book I’ve read this year and I will be recommending this book to everyone.

[Janice Bodily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fine historical fiction piece, I appreciated the inclusion of historical events in China from imperial rule through revolutions to the Sino-Japanese War to the rule of Communist leaders and even to Tiananmen Square.

[Amy Oechsner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book about Chinese history I have ever read. Highly recommend. On kindle unlimited.

[J.S. Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in conjunction with Anchee Min's Pearl due to overlapping time periods in 20th century China as it undergoes vast changes; enjoyed both immensely. This one has solid writing and a steadily engaging story with the politics subtly playing out in the background.

Min's novel:
Pearl of China.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the life of Leslie Li's grandmother. Her grandmother lived 100 years and we follow her throughout her life, watching her grow and change as China does. I loved this story. It was well-written and intriguing.

[Amy Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although based on a true biography, I felt this was very political in scope and it wore me out. The beginning started strong for me but, as it continued over 1889 till 1989, it began to drag, and I was more than ready for it to end.

[D. Sun · Rating 4 out of 5]

It sucks to be in China and be a woman. A very common Theme in Chinese culture books.
why did I enjoy this ? Reality , Real Life stuff .This is no fairy tale.
I really enjoyed this book even though It made me focus on
The concept : Life sucks and then you die

[Blanca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book of all books for me. I have read this countless times and just enjoy it every time.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

100 year saga of a Chinese peasant girl, almost killed at birth because of her gender, who rose to be the first wife of a man of position. Loved it. Fascinating.

[Karen]

100 years in the life of a Chinese family from one woman's point of view. I liked the descriptions of the traditions and family life over time.