The Same Moon

Journey to the West #1

by Junying Kirk, John Kirk (Editor)

Pearl Zhang was born in Sichuan Province in China, and grew up during the Cultural Revolution. She was raised in a typically Chinese manner, went to school, got a job and got married, and her whole life path had been mapped out, or so it seemed.


She then seized the opportunity to study in the United Kingdom – and stayed. How did Pearl adjust to the Western way of life, and what did she have to do to overcome the barriers? Would she find happiness and fulfilment with her English suitor in Scotland, or would her heartache continue? She was in a new world, both foreign and exciting – albeit under the Same Moon.


This book, the first of Junying Kirk’s “Journey to the West” Trilogy, will take you on a journey full of surprises and discoveries, history and culture - from the East to the West - and from the Middle Kingdom to the United Kingdom.


“What a book, what a life!” Mira Kolar-Brown, Author (UK)


“This is a real gem in the modern literature world and will definitely be one proudly displayed on my bookshelf if it ever becomes a paperback.” A.Tran, Reader (UK)


“Let this wonderful novel fall into your hands, enter your heart, and enrich your life and after you have finished it, thank Junying for taking you to a truly unforgettable journey through time and space.” Bin Yuan, Reader (China)

513 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2011

About the author

Junying Kirk was born a Spice girl from Sichuan Province in China. In the summer of 1988, a British Council scholarship led her to study English Language Teaching in the UK, which eventually adopted her. She has worked as an academic, administrator, researcher, teacher, professional interpreter, international partnerships manager and cultural consultant. She is passionate about reading & writing, and world travel. Her 'Journey to the West' trilogy, 'The Same Moon', 'Trials of Life' and 'Land of Hope' have been published both elctronically and in print. Currently she is writing the first book of her second trilogy: "Journey to the East". She lives in Birmingham, UK with her English husband.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pearl grows up during Chairman Mao's cultural revolution and has aspirations uncommon to most within that society at that time. However, she has to make some huge sacrifices along the way, to make those aspirations a reality. Take a walk with Pearl to discover a fascinating ( if troubling ) look at a completely different world.

The style of writing felt almost biographical at times, and took me into a world of which I had little knowledge. I particularly liked the first part of the story in China, though having said that, Pearl has such an interesting life wherever she is! Junying writes in such vivid detail that I felt as if I was there with Pearl, and what an amazing journey we've been on! We may all live under 'the same moon' but the diversity of our lives was never more clear than it is here, particularly for those of us who grew up in the West. A well written book, with a brave and determined lead character, makes this a very interesting read.

Thanks to Junying for my signed copy. *I have given an honest review in exchange*

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I read and reviewed this book from an e-book provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review in July 2011. I later edited the book for the author.

My Synopsis: Pearl Zhang was born in the Sichuan province on mainland China in 1961. She was raised in a traditional Chinese manner, went to school, got a job, got married, had her single child … and then her life changed. She was given the opportunity to go study at Warwick University in United Kingdom for one year – and stayed. She adjusted to Western life, divorced her husband, lost her child to him, work, struggled, scrimped and saved. She was in a new world, a completely foreign situation – but under the same moon.

My Thoughts: Beautifully written, The Same Moon is an (apparently) semi-autobiographical, semi-fictional story. Ms Kirk tells the story with authority and details that will astound the reader, especially one who, like me, doesn’t know very much about China – its fascinating traditions, its beautiful scenery, its generous people. She also grew up during the Cultural Revolution – she also left home and came to UK and stayed. I don’t know how much else of this story is based on her life, but that is enough to give me an idea – it was not an easy time or place to grow up.

This is not the sort of book I would ordinarily seek out and read – however, Junying Kirk asked me to do so and provide a review, and I can happily say that I loved this book and can heartily recommend it to anyone and everyone. Pick up this beautiful book – the first in a trilogy – and prepare to immerse yourself in a different world.

[Donna Carrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The full spectrum of human experience...

The Same Moon by Junying Kirk is the tale of Pearl Zhang, a "spicy Sichuan girl" who grows up during Chairman Mao's Cultural Revolution. More than just another "coming of age" novel, I found this to be a wonderfully-rendered character study. At all times fighting for freedom, Pearl entertains personal aspirations that are not in keeping with the expectations of her society.

It would be an injustice to call The Same Moon a mere love story, although love is certainly at its heart. Nor would I label it a plunge into Asian tradition. It is more universal than that, thanks to the struggles faced by Pearl. We come to accept her, not as the 'perfect heroine', but as someone who is both flawed and strong, at all times reaching past her own imperfections to find "a better way".

Having said that, if Chinese culture and the true plight of immigrants from the Far East are of interest to you, you will not be disappointed in this novel. Often cutting in its honesty, it will take the reader on a journey from oppression to freedom, from childhood to maturity, as Pearl slowly learns to discard her shackles and accept responsibility for her own dreams.

Because our youngest child was born in China, I have a passion for learning about Chinese society. I was thrilled to discover this brilliant gem of a novel, and was even more delighted to find that the story held my interest from start to finish.

I gave this e-book 5 stars for honesty, the development of a compelling character, the depth of cultural understanding the author brings to bear and the compassion and generosity evident in each step of Pearl's long journey toward self-actualization.

Well done -- I highly-recommend this book!
Donna Carrick
author of The First Excellence, Gold And Fishes and The Noon God

[John Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Same Moon' chronicles the early life of Pearl Zhang whose childhood was spent in Sichuan during Mao's Great Leap Forward. Although spared some of the horrendous follies that many Chinese peasants suffered during this period - and millions died in the great famine - her life was nonetheless hard and punctuated with tragedy. Ms Kirk paints a picture of a loveless upbringing where notions of duty, both familial and state, take precedence over an individual's dreams and desires.

Some Western readers who have not been exposed to Chinese history and culture may be shocked at the apparent matter-of-fact attitude to such matters as abortion and the early death of loved ones. But this was a society where for most people survival was the key issue, not personal happiness and fulfillment.

The author's narrative is packed with detail. I don't know how much of Ms Kirk's own life experiences are contained herein, but I should hazard quite a bit. Much of the book reads like a young woman's diary.

'The Same Moon' rewards the patient reader. There is much to take in and absorb in this 'rites of passage' novel. Being a lover of all things Asian, I enjoyed the first part of the book more than the second. Europe is just too familiar to me to get excited about descriptions of the various places that Pearl visits during her Western awakening. This is nonetheless a great read: literary in tone, informed and imbued with a deep sense of awe at this Brave New World.

I look forward to learning of Pearl's further adventures.

[Sandra Valente · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars.

E-book copy provided by author

I'll start by mentioning the fact that I've worked on this book. Ahhh, you might say; she's biased. Not in the least. I'm nothing if not honest, and won't wax lyrical about a book I didn't enjoy. Had that been the case, this review would not be here - at all. My thoughts, views or comments hereof have not been influenced in any manner, shape or form. Just because I work on a book, does not mean I will like it (the story, characters and so on), and I won't force myself to like a book either to please an author. I've never done that, and I won't ever do it. Those who know me, know this to be fact.

I'm actually working backwards here, as I've read the third book in this trilogy first, 'Land of Hope', which I absolutely loved. So, I wondered how I'd feel about starting with the first. I'm very pedantic in the sense that if I read a series, I won't start with anything but the first book. This time, because of being part of and hosting a blog tour for Junying Kirk, the third it was.

Although I believe each one can be read as a stand-alone, by reading the first one now has enlightened me further as to how, precisely, Pearl Zhang's life started out. Pearl grew up during Chairman Mao's cultural revolution, and what a time this was. What makes Ms. Kirk's books special is the fact that the she has first hand knowledge, and experience, in regards to what she's writing about. It completely comes across, so much so, I felt like I'd been sent back in time to a country I've never visited mind you - China - and learnt an insurmountable amount of knowledge regarding its people, way of life and culture. To say I wasn't shocked with some poignant snippets, would be lying. We all, within our own cultures, have rules (laws) and set standards at to how we live (and in some cases, as to how we should live) and perceive the world, but before China 'changed' and became more 'open' and 'free', wow, I do believe I'd have wanted to get out as much as Pearl and others wanted to. And, she did - but not without struggles, determination, hard work and I felt, a broken heart due to having had to leave her daughter behind.

The men in Pearl's life? All users as far as I'm concerned, with one exception. The one person Pearl, I believe, truly loved at this time in her life, she couldn't have. In China, especially at that age, she didn't have a choice but to obey her parents. I can't even begin to explain to you how wonderful reading this was, albeit sad most of time. At least, that's how I felt. I keep telling Ms. Kirk that it's about time she stops making me cry. I do smile throughout as well, but the severity and real issues concerning not only Pearl, but her family, are ingrained deeply in my heart.

The first half of the book takes part in China (my favourite), with the second half in Scotland and then the UK. Vastly different worlds, vastly different traditions yet why this book is perfectly titled 'The Same Moon'. We all live under the same moon, but said cultures, traditions and everyday life are poles and oceans apart in more ways than one. Pearl managed to cross all these barriers, accomplishing precisely what she set out to do. It all came with a price, though, but life isn't all sweet dreams and fields filled with roses. Often times, to be able to move forward, something will always be left behind.

Although Pearl (the heroine in this book) is someone I like, there are times she shows her imperfections. It's the way it should be - no one is perfect. I felt she showed her imperfection more in regards to the men in her life. Those she wanted, and those who forced themselves upon her. Pearl is strong, yet weak in other ways. A few men got away with a heck of a lot. What upset me was the fact that Pearl kept a lot of the bad stuff to herself, but then, who would really have done anything had she voiced such accusations? At that point in time, nobody. I can't state with conviction how I'd have reacted, because I was never in her situation. Thank goodness. She rose above it all though, and isn't that the way of the world? What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger? Pearl is a testament to what a person, a body, a soul can withstand.

This is literary fiction at its most interesting and best. I, for one, never thought that the plight of immigrants from China to elsewhere in the world was riddled with so much hardship, although I'm an immigrant myself. I guess having had family in the country we now live in helped in more ways than one. We had someone to look out for us. Pearl? She had a few scholars and friends with her, but ultimately no family.

What I think makes this book even more special is the simple fact that you follow Pearl's journey from her early childhood to the adult she's become. I have yet to read the second book 'Trials of Life', so am not able to comment on this, but I can tell you that by 'Land of Hope', Pearl is someone I'd wholeheartedly welcome in my house - without question. I'd then pick her brain for yet more information.

It's deeply compelling reading. Read it. I loved it.

[Vanessa Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book more than a month ago and let it settle in my mind before writing this review. I did this deliberately because I think few readers could have the same response as me to this book or read it with the same appreciation. I do not know the author exactly but I feel I know her through our shared experiences.

Like me, she is originally from China, has an academic background and was steeped in English language and literature before coming to England and continuing her studies here. In The Same Moon, she documents her experiences in these two vastly different cultural environments with painstaking honesty and care. Almost every sentence resonated with me in a special way as I recognised something I knew to be true, or had seen, or had felt somewhere on my own journey to the west.

This morning, having not looked at the book for a few weeks, something strange happened as I prepared to write this review. I couldn't remember if the book was written in the third or the first person. This never happens to me. Even if I forget a plot (which happens often), I never, ever forget this technical aspect of the narrative.

I reached for my Kindle to check but the battery was dead. It was so dead that even when I plugged my Kindle in, I couldn't yet use it.

While I was waiting for it to recharge, I came to the conclusion that the book must have been written in the third person, despite its intensely personal subject matter.

Why is this important, you might think? Well, to me it is very important indeed because it determines how readers engage with the story, the characters and the narrator.

The book itself contains the seed of this confusion. Is it a novel or a memoir? Is it a diary, a chronicle or a fiction?

There are diary extracts in it. At times it reads like a meticulous reconstruction. There are details in it that are not necessary for the exposition of the story. There is no plot powering the narrative along. There are often lengthy asides, thoughts, and observations that, while interesting and sometimes moving, are Tolstoyan in their irrelevance.

After reading this book you will be an expert in how to go about securing a place in a Chinese university in the late 1980s, for example. There is a little disquisition on the power and importance of dreams. Late in the novel, under the sub-heading "Fun flat-mates" there are convincing and thoughtful character sketches of four or five people who play no part whatsoever in the story.

These irrelevancies are not without merit. It must be interesting for readers to know, for example, that people from Hong Kong look down on those of us from mainland China and that they have to talk to us in English because we can't understand their Chinese and they can't understand ours, even if, instead of our barbaric local dialect, we speak perfect Mandarin. This is because they speak Cantonese and are too proud and stubborn to learn the official language of the Mainland.

But these many asides lead to a disjointed narrative and cloud the story's perspective.

When my Kindle finally came to life, I discovered that the novel is actually written in the first person. Oh, so I was wrong!

But I think I was right to feel confused.

The peculiar distancing of the first-person narrator is compounded by dialogue that at times seems stiff and formal. The Chinese dialogue has been translated into very correct English sentences and the English (and Scottish) dialogue appears to have been cleaned up by an academic hand.

The narrative itself is exceptionally well written. There is none of the sloppiness you find so often in books written by native speakers of the language in England and America.

The only section I found a little disconcerting was the prologue, which is written in the first person, present tense, and describes a dream. Probably the worst sentences in the whole novel can be found here. The language is intense, creative, symbolic and, at times, clumsy.

If you can get past these slight imperfections, you will come to writing that is crystal clear in its dissection of motives and emotions. It is uncompromising in its honesty. The descriptions of romance, friendship, academia and family life are concrete, meticulous, accurate and moving.

You will learn a lot about how it feels to be Chinese, and particularly how it feels to be a Chinese woman living in the west.

I am sure it cannot have been easy for the author to set down some of these details. I understand how painful it must have been for her to recollect events that, however much they have been fictionalised, have more than a ghostly resemblance to things that actually happened.

Lastly, I have the greatest respect for her achievement in bringing to life these people, some of whom must once have actually lived and died and left a permanent and very deep impression in the author's heart, and many of whom must be living still. They will go on living now for all of us in this remarkable book, which is, by the way, the first part in a trilogy.

[G.S. Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not often you read a novel that is so edifying it’s hard to put down. There are a few example of this – Our Sister Killjoy by Ama Ata Aidoo and My Place by Sally Morgan, both post-colonial writing.

In a lot of ways, The Same Moon falls under the same rubric as these. An intensely personal tale but based in a world I had no idea about. Not only does Junying Kirk’s novel skilfully describe a very different world, the first person narrative explores the completely different mindset of a communist country. Far from the west’s prioritisation of the self, the individual, The Same Moon explores the communal. But as the west seeped into China, Junying Kirk character Pearl knows there are freedoms that she is denied.

A great informative read

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still can't quite decide what genre to identify "The Same Moon" with. It has a little bit of everything: drama, romance, but it's pretty much the life story of Pearl, the main character.
Honestly, my first impression of The Same Moon isn’t good, I thought it was going to be a looong read. As I started to read it I thought it had an “autobiography-like” format, where the protagonist was telling her own story. As I went on, I found her stories interesting. However, there were lots of things going on and I can’t find a main problem in the novel unlike the usual novels. The plot instead focuses on her life and following her dreams. I also felt like I’ve been to China, and Europe and back. I have mixed feelings while reading the too detailed but informative paragraphs about China and Europe’s culture and tourist spots. I am happy with the new infos I learned, but at the same time I also felt like “Is it really necessary to be this detailed?”.
The characters. Wow, I think I’ve never read a novel with so many characters. I was confused later on especially with the Chinese names, I kept on thinking “Was this guy the guy who did this before?” etc. But, I have to say the main characters were interesting. For Pearl, even if she was narrating, I still saw her flaws as a human being and how her every decision isn’t perfect. The other supporting characters were so good. Antagonists were super mean, and there are others that are just plain irritating, while others are so adorable and some are gullible too.
I don’t regret reading the novel as I’ve learned a lot from Pearl. Her life story is not yet finished, but she accomplished a lot already. I felt like I was her, and I was living her life. She’s so brave and independent, and have so many aspirations in life. She doesn’t let barriers hinder her from escaping the little box where she’s confined in. I learned a lot about Communism (more than I would like in fact), and other stuffs such as immigration process, tourist spots I’ve never heard of, and a lot other more. I like how Junying Kirk began and ended with the same scene, it was very endearing.
The Same Moon is not just the story of Pearl, but it’s a novel we can all relate too one way or another. It’s very much realistic. Though there were so many different short stories in her life, but when gathered together, they form a one big story. There were lots of topic covered here: history, politics, education, society, ethics, culture, geography, and romance. Readers who wants an intellectual and informative, and a bit enjoyable book and somewhat “rumor-infested” story will surely love this. The Same Moon has a gripping story that I had a difficult time letting go because I always want to know more and more of what will happen next. Very interesting read indeed.

[Matt Posner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Same Moon is a novel in memoir form by my friend Junying Kirk. Made from a mix of fascinating details from daily struggle and the intense and poetic feelings of men and women in love, it chronicles the life of a Chinese girl growing to womanhood, first under the oppressive yoke of Maoism, and then, as a graduate student, in the United Kingdom. Protagonist Pearl Zhang grows up unaware of her beauty, enduring both physical and emotional torment, and then enters into a series of disappointing and unfulfilling love affairs that occupy a great part of her story. But there is joy, also, in the description of her travels and her transitory but deeply felt friendships. Another subtext of this story is sexual awakening, as Pearl struggles to find fulfillment and to understand sex after an unbringing that refused her knowledge. Although my knowledge of graduate education is rooted in the U.S. not in Britain, I strongly felt also the authenticity of Pearl's struggles with her sponsors in graduate school in Glasgow and Leeds. Furthermore, there was not a single antagonist in this story whom I did not thoroughly hate, to the point that I sent Junying frequent messages like, "I hope Pearl doesn't wind up with this guy."

Reading like a memoir, this novel is told mostly in summary, with little dialogue and few scenes longer than half a page. The style is so effective at simulating memoir that I found it difficult to remember I was reading fiction, and kept thinking it was the author's life. I can honestly say that, despite the unorthodox style, there was no page that caused my interest to slacken, no detail that didn't add to my reading experience.

I have past experience with books about the experience of Chinese women by authors such as Amy Tan and Maxine Hong Kingston. This is the one I have related to the most. I will be going on to read the next book in the series, and the third, which Junying informs me should be out some time this year. This, friends, is an author who should not be overlooked.

[Vered · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Same Moon follows the story of Pearl through her childhood and early adulthood in China to her first several years in the UK where she pursues her dream of higher studies. The first half of the book provides a fascinating glimpse into the day-to-day reality of a young person growing up in China, and her perceptions and observations of a country in transition from strict communism to a relatively more open society. The traditional culture is also brought to life through Pearl’s narrative. When given the opportunity to study a Masters and then a PhD in the UK, Pearl jumps at the opportunity, at great personal sacrifice. As she struggles to adapt to a very different culture and to stay in school, she gradually discovers new freedoms she never knew could exist.

China of the ‘70s and ‘80s was as different from the UK as any two countries can be, and this is very clear from Pearl’s experience. There seems to be some parallels between the lives of Pearl and the author, and this provides great authenticity to the story. I often felt like I was reading someone’s diary, as the writing style is personal and sometimes almost unstructured, the way a diary is, one thought leading to another. A few things are needed for this novel to get 4 stars: better editing; smoother transitions between scenes and sections; less jumping between different times and places that are described in the same section (sometimes the author skips a bit too suddenly from one thought to another). I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed ‘Wild Swans’ or is interested in China or the experiences of an immigrant to the UK.

[Junying · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I am reading my first book again, and I've lost count as to how many times I have read it by now - after all I wrote it, albeit some years ago! Yet, this is the first time I actually hold a printed copy in my hands, fondly touching the beautiful cover which my artist friend Yongqun Guo expertly painted (dated also some years ago), and Eri Nelson, my author friend helped turning it into a superb cover. The Chinese mountains and pine trees in the mist evoke so much emotions inside me, as well as memories of a time when I was living in a far-away country called China, my Motherland, who boasts thousands of years of history and traditions.

It's been two years since my debut hit the Amazon store and how time flies! The Same Moon has not reached as many readers as I would have liked, however, with those readers it did reach, they told me that my stories touched and fascinated them, they have learnt something which they did not know before, and some went as far as sharing that it's the best book they have read for a very very long time!

With all those positive feedback in mind, I am reading it all over again. As much as I love reading e-books myself, I know that many readers still prefer the look, the feel and even the smell of printed books in their own hands. I appreciate that too. It is for those future paperback readers that I am indulging one more time pouring over the stories I have tried to tell.

Would I change anything if I had the chance to rewrite it? I'll tell you when I am done writing :)

[Eri Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first moment, the lovely Pearl who shyly hid her smitten entrancement over the captivating Rain, took hold of my conscious thought and swept me away with its exquisite sway.

As I read further, loosing myself within the richly enchantment of words, the notice of classic reads caught my interest. How many times I too could claim to the marvelous reads as to the likes of Jane Eyre, Anna Karenina, Jane Austin, and so many more. Perhaps it was too early to say but my fondness for this charming read increased.

My time in life is so very different from Pearl. However, her forbidden desire is a moment I to shared briefly in my young life. As the words became more vivid in my mind’s eye, I was taken back to a brief past.

“Mother, do you remember when I was really happy? That summer when I was with Pearl, I thought I was in heaven. Do you think I shall see her again, I mean in heaven? I would be happy there. I really miss her. I wonder what she’s doing right now…” At this I am crying……

“Another Place Another Time”…. Through this beautiful tale, I felt as if I grew right alongside Pearl. This story is so skillfully told that a reader has no choice but to feel as the character does. This is a must read and I would recommend it to all who wish to be taken to that most allusive space within the mind, where true beauty is sure to grow.

[Jess Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully-written book by a highly literate author who has a respect for the written word. No gimmicks, no hype, nothing that's cheap about the all-important subject of coming of age...how refreshing! Reading the chapter titles alone is stimulating, because you get a glimpse of the structure of the book without being told the exact details (which of course, entices you to want to see how the story plays outs).

The realism of the book draws the reader in effortlessly. The journey is epic and dramatic without being formulaic or repetitious. There are many poignant lines throughout the content too, which give the book added depth and insight. I think the following line (from one of the chapters in The Same Moon) describes the book very well: "Life was no film set, and there was no script." I particularly enjoyed Chapter Five: The Courtship for its unabashed view on "the dating game."

As someone who enjoys culture and travelling, this book was certainly a treat. The strength of books like these is that they remind discerning readers how literature is differentiated from the film medium. While the latter tends to be more impressive in terms of 'visuals', good literature is intimate because it engages the reader through a one-on-one experience. That is one of the things I enjoy the most about reading, which The Same Moon delivers.

[Bin Yuan · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me, The Same Moon accounted a true and first hand experience from the author that brought up powerful feelings inside me. On reading it I have gained a deep understanding of the world in which we live, through the author's vivid descriptions and sharp observation. I was taken to a journey I have never been before, even though I came from China.

This is the story of Pearl Zhang and her family in China, It is through their lives that family history unfolds and tragic secrets are exposed. The author explores Pearl's life in such a way that through the narrative of Chinese history you will be amazed at what you have learnt from this book about the capacity of the heart to persevere and to triumph. This book will fulfil whatever you set out to obtain. Let this wonderful novel fall into your hands, enter your heart, and enrich your life and after you have finish it, thank Junying for taking you to a truly unforgettable journey through time and space. Thank you, Junying, for opening my eyes and heart, and for sharing such an amazing story with me.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do believe that the only other book I've read by a Chinese woman is Maxine Hong Kingston's The Woman Warrior. I love The Same Moon and saw some similarities to Kingston's book.

The story is well-written (although it does have some editing issues) and Junying's writing style is very personal. Kirk has a way of writing in vivid detail, giving the reader a good visual to "see" what she is describing.

The characters are strong and and the reader gets to see what it's like growing up in one country and moving to another where there is a dichotomy of cultures. The acculturation of a person into a new country, community, culture, is not an easy journey to make, and Pearl certainly had moments.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves the diversity of cultures and is interested in the plight of immigrants, no matter what country a person is from there are similarities that

[Tabitha Ormiston-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's beautifully written and despite the autobiographical style of writing, the action never flags. I was gripped by it right from the start and can't wait to read the next in the trilogy.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all I want to thank Junying Kirk for the 2nd book (of this series) I won here. Without it I guess I wouldn´t have found this series and bought and read part one.

When I started reading The Same Moon I honestly was a bit confused. The time changed from 1981 back to 1980 and then again to 1981. But I quickly understand and got used to her writing style.

Written in the main characters (Pearl Zhang) point of view I was able to have a sight into her life in China and in the UK. The life she had while growing up in a country (China) I really had no knowledge about. To get to know how the Chinese people lived and thought in the 1980s (and before and after) was very interesting but also something I don´t like. I felt that the main character- Pearl- was trapped in a cage. She was so open-minded, curious and interested in travelling, books and music but couldn´t satisfy her love and passion for the things she loved and cared about, simply because she wasn´t allowed to. Somehow she just was trimmed to be the best in school, in her studies and later in her job. Luckily, those studies gave her the opportunity to leave the country later and to do all the things she always wanted to do.

After she fell in love with Yu as a teenager I really hoped that this book will be a bit romantic, although her parent’s didn´t approved of the relationship and forbid her to see Yu again. I hoped the whole time that they will find a way until that tragic moment happened. Throughout the book I felt like he was the only one who really loved her and who she really had loved. Pearl surely was attracted to other Men and had relationships and also was married (and had a child) but in my opinion Yu was the only one she ever really loved and who treated her the way a girl should be treated.

Before she went to the UK Pearl was finally able to travel a little in China before and after she married her husband. Unfortunately that stopped when she became pregnant and had to take care for her child- which is of course not a bad thing. It just kept her again from doing something she loved and just started doing.

In the UK Pearl started to change and got used to the British Culture. Not only was she finally visiting libraries and reading lots of books, she also went to parties and could travel through Europe- visiting France, Germany, Austria, etc. She got in touch with many different people of different nationalities and was able to get to know about the various ways of living and thinking each culture brings with it. I would say the UK was a chance for her to be free, to be free to live the way she wanted to live and to enjoy life a bit. No one was there to tell her what to do (well if she wouldn´t have let anyone allowed to do) or to tell her what´s wrong or what´s right. She could build her own opinion which she couldn´t really do while being in China. At the End of her studies in Scotland and England she had to decide whether she wants to go back to China or not. This Decision was easier for her as the techniques improved in the 1990s and made travelling easier. So she could visit her child and the rest of her family now on a regular basis.

The book itself shows the reader how Pearl struggled with life, love, death, men, the influences of family, friends, culture and politics as well as financial struggles.

For me it was a well written book. Much Details. It was nice to read what Pearl had been through and how she dealt with the situations, which doesn´t necessarily mean that everything she did was a good decision. But it shows a human being who´s probably perfect in her studies but in real life she isn´t (like every other person).

Now after I read The Same Moon I would describe the book as a mixture of Biography, Diary, Travel guide and History (Culture and Politics).

The reason why I don´t rate this book higher is that there are so many different characters in there of which some maybe weren´t that important to mention. I also had wished to have seen Pearl more emotional. Every time when I thought that she finally got emotional the scene changed and that´s why she sometimes seemed a bit cold-hearted to me. And that´s also a point- The scenes change so often. In the first half of the book it was ok but in the second half it changed so much- like scene here, scene there, scene here, and so on. So by and large I would say this book is a nice one and I definitely want to read how Pearls life goes on, if she finally finds true Love, how/if she changes and how the relationship to her daughter keeps going.

[Dannie Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found The Same Moon by Junying Kirk to be a delightful read. From the beautiful cover to the end of an interesting journey in the life of Pearl Zhang. Pearl was born and lived into her twenties in mainland China during the harsh days of Communism. A period of turmoil and strife.

It was very interesting to learn about how Pearl and others lived, loved and learned in an all but secret time to the Western world. Pearl’s childhood was hard but she always put education as a goal to strive for and better herself.

The Same Moon is a great look at her life and the incredible natural beauty of China. Junying Kirk puts you there seeing the wonders of the Middle Kingdom.

Pearl moves to the United Kingdom to continue her education and the adventure continues. Here the western reader gets a look at our world through the eyes of a beautiful Asian woman. It becomes a travelogue of sorts as Pearl visit many places in the UK and Europe. Her excitement spills over to the reader. She also faces the harsh reality of living on her own and making do with very little money due to her efforts to obtain a higher degree.

I found The Same Moon to be a good read and well edited. I did not like the formatting with its website style paragraphs that are space with no indents.

I recommend this book by Junying Kirk.

[Sinead MacDughlas · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely enjoyable read

This book is written in a fictional memoir style, making it easier for me to become emotionally attached to the main character, Pearl. I followed her journey from East to West eagerly. It's easy to tell the author has a deep working knowledge of the culture and history of China. Some people may be put off by the depth of detail, and the amount of historical background, but I loved finding out more about a culture that already peaks my interest. Several times I found myself discussing the book with others, as my own misconceptions about Communist China were dispelled. This isn't a high suspense novel, nor does it have a huge climactic buildup and resolution. It is a life journey. The book will take you to places and times you might otherwise never imagine, or understand. Though not a quick read, it is definitely a compelling one. I look forward to the second book, and more of Pearl's personal and worldly discoveries.

[Angela Maldita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly don't know what to say about this book. I love it... but well... I don't hate it either... maybe its just because its not my genre.

First, what I love about this book is that its very vivid. It's like I've been there, done what the character has done and travel to those country as well.

Ms. Junying is very good in words, on describing things, on relating what she feels to the readers. Incorporating good phrases here and there as well added an impact to the book.

I guess above it all, Ms. Junyings love about travelling and life actually shows here. The inert goodness she has comes out with this book.

This is a good read when you wanted to experience something entirely different from the all the traveling books out there.

[Eden Baylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Canadian born Chinese, I didn't have the history of China as a foundation for reading this book, but growing up Chinese in a very traditional home, even in French-speaking Canada afforded me great insight into Ms. Kirk's sometimes painful adjustment to her new life in England.

I've greatly enjoyed Ms. Kirk's writing on her excellent blog where she chronicles many of her real-life travels. Though The Same Moon is a book of fiction, I suspect it is deeply steeped in the experiences of the author, and I enjoyed reading it from that perspective. This book is a lyrical journey through time, chronicling the author's deepest emotions during the most significant times of her life.

It's a wonderfully poetic and moving story that will touch you, no matter where you're from.

[Kate Bowyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book to take you away to a foreign land than this is for you. We get to live through Pearl in China and than in the UK as she struggles to fight for what she wants and has to make some big sacrifices on the way.

It's funny to see how families around the world are not so different sometimes even if cultures are very different. I really enjoyed getting to know China and as I read it I was thinking back on where I was in my life as to what was going on in China and know how fortunate I am to live in the U.S.

I'm looking forward to reading the second book and would recommend this to all.

[Casey Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading The Same Moon immensely.

Junying Kirk has a soft, compelling way of telling the story of Pearl.

The Same Moon is touching and poetic.

I look forward to reading more of Ms. Kirk's books.

[Jess Scott]

Excerpt + author interview @ http://jesscscott.wordpress.com/2011/...

Will read soon :)

[Judie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read all the reviews on "The Same Moon" and it seems that I didn't try to read the same book as everybody else who commented. The writing style is juvenile, her life laid out in a series of facts, and I just couldn't relate to Junying as a young woman. Obviously, this book wasn't for me, but many others thought it was good. I never finished the book.